Suddenly in the midst of a tightening National League playoff race, the Philadelphia Phillies took care of business against the Miami Marlins despite a rough night on the mound, capturing their sixth straight victory by topping Miami, 9-7.
Starter Roy Halladay went 6.1 innings for the Phillies, who used a three-run first and three-run sixth to get ahead early against the Marlins. The Phillies loaded the bases in the first inning and although Ryan Howard grounded into a double play, scoring one run, hits from Carlos Ruiz and Domonic Brown gave Philadelphia a three-run first frame.
Jimmy Rollins' homer in the sixth inning scored Halladay, who had driven in Michael Martinez earlier in the inning.
Halladay was not his best on the night in Philadelphia, giving up five earned over his 6.1 innings, and was chased in the seventh inning. The Phillies bullpen withheld the Marlins' late charge, holding the Marlins at seven runs for the night.
Rollins' sacrifice fly in the seventh inning after the Marlins had posted four runs in the top of the frame made sure to keep the game out of the reach of Miami.
The Phillies wrap the three-game set with the Marlins on Wednesday, as they send Cliff Lee to the mound looking for their seventh straight win.
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