PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jayson Werth hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning after Ryan Howard had a two-run single to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to their seventh straight win, 7-6 over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.
Werth’s homer off Drew Storen helped the Phillies maintain their three-game lead in the NL East over the Atlanta Braves. The teams begin a three-game series in Philadelphia on Monday night with Cole Hamels facing Jair Jurrjens in the opener.
Storen, who has blown two of six save opportunities, entered the ninth with a three-run lead. He gave up a leadoff single to Placido Polanco and a double to Chase Utley. Howard followed with his hit to make it 6-5.
Werth, who had three hits, three RBIs and two runs scored, hit a full-count fastball over the 409-foot sign in center field.
