It all began with great starting pitcing by Kyle Kendrick, who went 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits. Shane Victorino a 2 run homerun. Ryan Howard 2 rbi. Phils cruised by the Yankees 7-1, to win the season series with NY.

Yanks starting pitcher Andy Pettitte entered Thursday's game 3 with an 8-1 record, and 2.46 ERA. He surrendered 3 runs on 6 hits through 7 innings. Offensively Ryan Howard put the Phils on top in the 4th with an rbi single scoring Shane Victorino. In the 5th Victorino hit a 2 run bomb giving Kendrick a comfortable 3 run lead. The Phils added 4 insurance runs in the 9th, headlined by an rbi single by Wilson Valdez, and an rbi double by Raul Ibanez.

Fielding also played a big factor in the Phil's win. Jayson Werth made a diving catch in the 4th, saving a possible extra bases hit. Placido Polanco bailed the pitching out in the 6th, with a diving catch in foul ground to end the inning, and in the 8th, Jose Contreras made a behind the back grab stealing a hit from Curtis Granderson.

Phils take 2 of 3 up in the Bronx. The Braves also won, so the Phils remain 3 1/2 games back in the NL East. They now return home for 9 interleague games beginning with the Twins Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.