AP News
(2009-09-26 04:31:19)
MIAMI (Reuters) - The Florida Marlins scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to complete a 7-6 comeback win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
Trailing 6-5, Jorge Cantu singled to tie the game then pinch-hitter Brett Carroll hit Brad Lidge up the middle for the winner.
"I was just trying to see a pitch I could hit, be simple and not try to do too much with it," Carroll told reporters.
"I know that (Lidge's) best pitch is a slider - he made me look pretty stupid on the first two, but I was able to stay in there and get a good swing on it."
The result gave the Marlins (82-71) their second straight win over the Phillies (88-63), whose closing pitcher Lidge has blown 11 saves this season.
The Phillies still have a handy lead in the National League East while the Marlins remain in contention for a wild card into the playoffs.
Slugger Ryan Howard led the way for the Phillies with four RBIs to power his team to a 6-3 advantage after a two-run home run in the seventh, his 42nd of the year.
Cantu kept Florida in the match with four hits and two RBIs as the home team battled Philadelphia starting pitcher Cole Hamels, who allowed four runs in seven innings.
Florida scored one run apiece in the seventh and eighth innings before stealing the win in the ninth.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Julian Linden)
