The Phillies slide hit three games Wednesday night when they dropped another close one to the Houston Astros.
The Stros used some timely hits and unlikely power to top Roy Halladay and his Phils 3-2.
The Phillies turned to their ace who took the loss despite a quality seven innings. Doc fell to 16-9 after allowing six hits and three runs while striking out six.
Former Phil J.A. Happ bested Halladay by pitching 6 1/3 innings of five-hit ball. The lefty who was dealt for Roy Oswalt right before the trade deadline allowed just two runs.
What most ailed Halladay was a lack of run support.
Slugger Ryan Howard didn’t start a night after being ejected from the Phillies 16-inning loss. And the Phillies managed only two extra-base hits without their slumping Big Piece.
The loss leaves the Phils 2 ½ games behind first-place Atlanta in National League East. The Braves, like the Phils, have lost three straight games.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our sports newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
