Howard, Phils down Astros

Jul 4, 2007, 21:40 GMT

Houston, TX - Ryan Howard had two hits, including a two-run home run and three RBI as the Philadelphia Phillies handled the Houston Astros, 8-3, to salvage the finale of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park.

Wes Helms chipped in with a double, homer and two RBI and Chase Utley went 3- for-4 with a two-base hit, triple and two runs scored as the Phillies snapped a brief two-game losing streak.

Pat Burrell and Jimmy Rollins added solo homers for the Phillies.

Cole Hamels (10-4) had a solid outing, giving up one run on eight hits over seven innings. The southpaw, who snapped a mini two-game losing skid, struck out eight and didn't issue a walk.

Eric Munson hit a home run and knocked in a pair and Hunter Pence added a solo shot for Houston, which saw its modest three-game winning streak come to an end.

Chris Sampson (6-6) took the loss, allowing four runs on eight hits, while striking out four and walking a batter over 6 1/3 innings. It was the right- handers' first loss since May 26th.

The Phils got on the board first in the second inning. Burrell got on with a two-out seeing-eye single up the middle and Helms followed with a run- scoring double to left-center to give Philadelphia the early advantage.

Munson's second homer of the season, a solo shot to left-center field in the third inning, tied the contest at 1-1.

Helms' second home run of the campaign, a solo shot to lead off the fifth that just barely cleared the left-field fence put the Phils back in front. After Chris Coste and Hamels were retired, Rollins's solo blast to right put the Phils ahead 3-1.

The Astros appeared to have something going in the bottom of the fifth, as Houston loaded the bases with two outs, but Lance Berkman chased the first pitch of the at-bat and fouled out to end the threat.

Philadelphia added a run in the sixth when Utley led off the inning with a triple to right-center field and came in to score when Howard laced a base hit to right to make it 4-1.

The Phils continued to add to the lead, tacking on four more in the top of the eighth. After Utley led off the frame with a double, Howard lined a two-run homer over the right-field fence to increase the lead to 6-1. It was the sluggers 20th round tripper of the season. Following a Shane Victorino strikeout, Burrell hit a solo shot down the left field line that landed just inside the foul pole. Philly got another run on a wild pitch by Mark McLemore to widen the advantage to 8-1.

Munson's sacrifice fly to center scored Mark Loretta, who doubled to start the bottom of the eighth, making it an 8-2 game.

Brian Sanchez came in for the ninth and served up a solo home run to Pence but recovered to close out the 8-3 win.

Game Notes

Attendance was 39,993...The Phils will head to Colorado to begin a three-game series versus the Rockies on Friday, while Houston will travel to New York for a four-game set with the Mets starting on Thursday night...Philadelphia has hit 22 home runs versus the Astros this season...Helms is 11-for-19 versus the Astros this year.

© 2007 The Sports Network

Game Notes

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