|
Phillies beat Astros for third straight division crown
2009-10-01
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The Philadelphia Phillies clinched their third straight National League East title after a 10-3 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday. Trailing 3-1, the World Series champions ran off nine unanswered runs to storm to victory and post their first division treble since 1976-78. Raul Ibanez hit his career-best 34th home run and had three RBIs, while Ryan Howard recorded his 138th RBI of the year for the Phillies. "It feels just as great as the last one," Howard told reporters. "It's been a great run, the bond we've built and the additions we've had, everyone has contributed. We know how to go out there and try to get the job done." Philadelphia, who have held the division's top spot since May 30, are bidding to become the first team to win back-to-back world championships since the New York Yankees in 1998-2000. (Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Ian Ransom)
| 
