The Game of Baseball

The Philadelphia Phillies offense that you've come to expect (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, etc.) came home to Citizens Bank Park Thursday, looking to salvage their series against the Houston Astros in the rubber game; the offense came alive as Philadelphia ground out 16 hits while Brett Myers had a strong showing on the mound, leading the Phillies to a resounding 10-2 win over the Astros 10-2. Chris Coste led the Phillies' attack, going 4-for-5 with a home run, a run scored and 3 RBIs while Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, So Taguchi, Greg Dobbs and Geoff Jenkins added 2 hits each - with Utley, Howard and Burrell adding a home run apiece. Brett Myers (2-1) got the win as he went 7 strong innings, allowing 5 hits, an earned run, walking 1 while striking out 8. Houston was led by Miguel Tejada as he went 3-for-4 with a HR, a run scored and an RBI while Carlos Lee and Humberto Quintero had 2 hits each - with Lee adding a HR. Losing pitcher Brandon Backe (1-2) was blasted as he pitched only 3 innings, allowing 10 hits, 5 earned runs, walking 2 while striking out 2. Philadelphia (8-8) plays again on Friday as they continue their homestand, hosting the New York Mets (8-6); Cole Hamels (2-1) gets the start for Philadelphia while Johan Santana (1-2) starts for New York.