Talk about a good game. When you need a boost, Ryan Howard may be the guy to call. His nearly perfect performance helped excel the Phillies to a 9-5 win over Nick Blackburn and the Minnesota Twins. Howard had a combined 4 runs batted in. He went 4-4 with 2 home runs, a triple, and a double. Chase Utley also went yard with his 11th home run of the season.
The Phillies splashed on Nick Blackburn early and often. They simply weren't gonna let Blackburn snag his 7th win. Utley, Howard, and Werth knocked in runs in the first inning. Howard got the toughest part of the cycle out of the way first, with his rbi triple. After the lineup turned over the runs kept coming. Placido Polanco, batting in his normal position (2nd), hit in Wilson Valdez. Then, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard went back to back. HR check, 3B check. Howard was feeling it tonight. He said after the game he had everything going for him and was seeing the ball well.
Joe Blanton pitched into the 7th inning. He had his best start since coming off the DL. So far this season Blanton is only 2-5. Blanton was replaced by Chad Durbin after Nick Punto hit a two run home run in the 7th.
Howard took care of the hardest two parts of the cycle in his first two at bats. Howard's next at bat came in the 5th inning. I don't think Howard was thinking "maybe if I can get a double or single, I'll have a shot at the cycle". He launched a second home run in his third at bat. Howard came up a single short of the cycle after doubling in the 7th.
It wasn't all fun and games tonight. Carlos Ruiz was hit on the back swing off one Twins hitter in the 8th. Manager Charlie Manuel was forced to replace him. If Ruiz has to miss time expect to see Paul Hoover back with the team.
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