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Kendrick helps Phillies blank Marlins

Aug 7, 2008 - 3:54 AM By Vince DiGregorio PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Kyle Kendrick picked a good time to win his first game at home in two months.

Kendrick tossed six solid innings and Ryan Howard hit his 32nd home run of the season as the Philadelphia Phillies blanked the Florida Marlins, 5-0, on Wednesday to even their three-game series.

Kendrick also drove in a run for the Phillies (62-51), who expanded their lead over the Marlins (60-54) in the National League East Division to 2 1/2 games.

"These division-rival games are big," Howard said. "They're gonna make or break (our season). For us to be able to put them back 2 1/2, we took care of our business."

"I like first place, and hopefully our players like it," Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said. "I'd rather be chased than (be) chasing somebody myself."

The Phillies, who also moved three games ahead of the New York Mets (59-54), had lost their previous three meetings with the Marlins and six of 10 in the season series.

"Obviously, we know what the standings are," Florida's Mike Jacobs said. "Every game right now, especially against (Philadelphia) is almost like a playoff game in itself. It's playoff baseball in August."

Kendrick (10-5), who allowed four hits and five walks with four strikeouts, reached double digits in wins for the second time in as many major league seasons. Winless at Citizens Bank Park since June 2, he retired seven of the final eight batters he faced.

"We're in first, you want to be out there," Kendrick said. "I don't like losing. I don't want to get beat."

The 23-year-old was a pleasant surprise for Philadelphia in its successful run to the NL East title last season, going 10-4 after being called up in June 2007 to shore up an injury-riddled rotation.

"I want to pitch in big games," Kendrick said. "If I can give us a chance to win, that's all I can do. That's my job, to keep us in games. I'm definitely not a veteran. I'm still learning. I'm just another guy on the team."

Kendrick struggled early in the contest, issuing all five of his walks over the first four innings. However, he avoided trouble by stranding two runners in both the second and third frames and leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.

"In the fourth, I walked two guys. That shouldn't happen," he said. "I couldn't find the (strike) zone. They didn't score, but it shouldn't happen."

The key to Kendrick's success with the Phillies has been the use of his sinker pitch to get ground balls. Of the 18 outs he recorded Wednesday, only one was notched in the outfield.

"The coaching staff recognizes that as long as Kendrick has his sinker working, he's got a chance (to win)," Phillies catcher Chris Coste said. "Even though he got in a few jams, he had his sinker working. He gives himself a chance to work out of jams.

"It's very simple. When he doesn't have his sinker, he's got no chance. And today, he had his sinker."

Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson combined to allow just one hit in three frames, preserving the shutout for Philadelphia, which has won eight of its last 10.

Howard belted a solo home run in the fourth inning to give the Phillies a 4-0 advantage. Mike Cervenak collected his first major league hit and RBI with a pinch single in the sixth that capped the scoring.

The Phillies grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Anibal Sanchez (1-1) on an RBI double by Chase Utley. Philadelphia added to its lead in the second with the help of the righthander.

Sanchez quickly got himself in trouble when he booted leadoff hitter Geoff Jenkins' comebacker and hit Coste with a pitch. Eric Bruntlett followed with a run-scoring double and Kendrick made it 3-0 with an RBI groundout.

"Getting a lead early really helped out a lot," Coste said. "Most importantly, it helped out Kendrick. It allowed him to pitch with a little bit more breathing room. He didn't have to be perfect."

The 24-year-old Sanchez lasted five innings, allowing four runs - three earned - and five hits. He walked three, struck out two and hit a batter in his second start after missing nearly 15 months due to right shoulder surgery in June 2007.

"I thought (Sanchez) got stronger as the game went on," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

John Baker doubled and drew a pair of walks for the Marlins, who had won four of six.