Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – Placido Polanco’s eighth-inning two-out RBI single was the difference, as Philadelphia nipped Florida, 8-7, in the third installment of a four-game series.
The victory, coupled with Atlanta’s loss at Pittsburgh, lofted the two-time defending NL champs into first place in the NL East by a half-game over the Braves. The Phillies hadn’t seen the top of the division since May 30.
Raul Ibanez finished 3-for-4 with a homer and drove in three runs, while Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard also added solo shots for the Phillies, who have taken seven of their last nine overall.
Ryan Madson (5-2) allowed Florida’s tying run to score in the top of the eighth, but picked up the win by getting the final four outs.
Logan Morrison doubled twice and knocked in a run for the Marlins, who have dropped two in a row since taking the opener of a day-night doubleheader on Monday. Mike Stanton finished 2-for-4 with a solo shot in defeat.
Jose Veras (2-2) was charged with the loss after allowing the game-winning hit.