Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Ryan Howard hit a record-setting two-run homer, as the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies beat Washington, 5-2, in the middle contest of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
The blast was Howard's 30th of the season, and gave the Philadelphia first baseman his fifth consecutive 30-homer, 100-RBI campaign, surpassing the franchise record set by Chuck Klein (four). It was also Howard's 252nd career home run, which put him in sole possession of third place in club history. He had been tied with Pat Burrell.
Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez both hit solo home runs for the Phillies, who have won six in a row and remained three games ahead of Atlanta in the division standings.
Kyle Kendrick (10-9) pitched six innings for Philadelphia, allowing two runs on six hits. Brad Lidge turned in a scoreless ninth to post his 23rd save.
Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann (0-2) was tagged for five runs and nine hits over three full frames.