Ryan Howard put the Phillies up 8-7 with a 2-run blast to left in the 8th off Braves' closer Mike Gonzalez, who was brought in to face the big guy. Brad Lidge loaded the bases on walks in the 9th but got Gregor Blanco swinging to end the game. It wasn't easy, it wasn't pretty but the Phillies won, with contributions up and down the line-up (Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz) and two sterling innings of scoreless relief by Ryan Madson. The Phillies went up 3-0 in the 3rd, the Braves tied it, then Ruiz untied it with a solo homer. In the 6th, the Braves went up 7-4. The Phillies crept to 7-6 in the 7th, then went ahead to stay thanks to Mr. Howard.
Howard had three hits, including a triple. He also made a sparkling defensive play. Is he hot? Charlie Manuel said postgame, "He's a carrier. He's the guy that's big in the moment." Said Jimmy Rollins with a smile, "I'm glad Ryan's on my team."
