Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Ryan Howard and John Mayberry Jr. each drove in
three runs on Friday as the Philadelphia Phillies dropped the Houston Astros,
12-6, in the second installment of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park.
Domonic Brown crushed a two-run home run and Jimmy Rollins hit his team-
leading 20th homer of the season for the Phils, who have won eight of their
last nine games. Chase Utley knocked in a pair and scored three times and
Kevin Frandsen contributed an RBI in the victory.
Cole Hamels (15-6) wasn't sharp early, but found his groove later in the game.
He allowed four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits with eight strikeouts
and a walk over seven innings. The lefty reached the 15-win plateau for the
first time since going 15-5 in 2007.
Matt Downs clubbed a two-run home run and Justin Maxwell added a solo shot for
the Astros, who have lost two of their last three. Edgar Gonzalez (2-1) took
the loss after allowing five runs on six hits in four innings.
The Sports Network