Phillies' Halladay gets 19th win
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MIAMI (Reuters) - Roy Halladay recorded a National League-best 19th victory of the season behind strong offensive support as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Florida Marlins 10-5 on Wednesday.
Halladay (19-10) struck out nine but allowed 10 hits and three runs over six innings.
"It wasn't the prettiest," Halladay told reporters. "From my standpoint I expect to do well every time I go out. My approach is the same."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Having spent the first 12 years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to Philadelphia this past off-season, Halladay has high hopes of reaching the postseason for the first time.
The Phillies (86-61) stretched their NL East lead over the Atlanta Braves to three games with 15 to play.
"We're not in control of it right now," Manuel said. "We have a lead. We can definitely control what we're going to do by winning."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Winners of eight of their last nine games, the streaking Phillies have also claimed six in a row over Florida (73-72) in a little more than a week.
Philadelphia scored nine runs in the first five innings to take a commanding 9-2 lead and were never threatened.
Raul Ibanez went 3-for-5 with a two-run double in the first and Chase Utley bombed a home run in the third.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Marlins starter Jorge Sosa lasted just 2 1/3 innings and allowed six runs in the loss.
Florida's offense pounded out 12 hits but could not capitalize, going 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Gaby Sanchez homered in the sixth and the home side had the bases loaded in the ninth but only earned one run.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)