Doc's 20th Puts Phils 5 Games Up

Magic number cut to 6 after 5-3 win

Roy Halladay became Philadelphia's first 20-game winner in 28 years, Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer and the Phillies increased their lead in the NL East to five games with their ninth straight win, 5-3 over the Braves on Tuesday night.

Halladay (20-10) allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings to reach 20 wins for the third time in his career. Hall of Famer Steve Carlton was the last to do it for the Phillies when he won 23 in 1982. Robin Roberts, another Hall of Famer, was the last right-hander to win 20 for Philadelphia, in 1955.

Ryan Madson tossed a scoreless eighth for Philadelphia and Brad Lidge finished for his 25th save in 30 chances.

The two-time defending NL champions are 43-15 since July 21, when they trailed the Braves by seven games. They are 17-3 in September.

The Phillies reduced their magic number to clinch the division to six.

Rookie Mike Minor (3-2) lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his eighth career start, allowing three runs and seven hits.

Werth gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead in the third with his fourth homer in five games, and 25th this season. The bearded one tossed his bat and turned to look at teammates in the dugout before circling the bases, emphatically slapping hands with first-base coach Davey Lopes on his way around.

While the Braves used two rookies -- Brandon Beachy, who made his major league debut on Monday -- to start the first two games of a crucial series, the Phillies adjusted their rotation so their three aces would pitch.

Halladay followed up another impressive start by 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels. Next up is Roy Oswalt. The Braves send Tommy Hanson to the mound as they try to avoid a sweep Wednesday night.

A crowd of 45,264 was the 119th straight sellout at Citizens Bank Park. They stayed in their seats and waved white-and-red “Fightin' Phils” rally towels.

And, there were no copycat field jumpers Tuesday night.


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