Grand slams by Howard, Ibanez rally Phils

[April 28, 2009]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez each hit a grand slam, rallying the Philadelphia Phillies to a wild 13-11 win over the Washington Nationals on Monday night for their fourth straight victory.

Howard's shot to center off rookie starter Shairon Martis in the fifth inning tied the score at 6. After the Nationals scored four times in the eighth to go up 11-7, Ibanez capped a six-run surge in the bottom half with a two-out drive to right off Joel Hanrahan (0-1).

With star closer Brad Lidge nursing a sore knee, Ryan Madson got three outs for his first save this season. Lidge is day to day with inflammation in his right knee, the Phillies said.

Ryan Zimmerman hit two of Washington's five homers, extending his hitting streak to a big league-best 16 games. Nick Johnson and Adam Dunn each had a two-run shot in the eighth, and Elijah Dukes also connected.

J.A. Happ (1-0) worked a hitless inning for the win.

Ibanez came to the plate with two outs in the eighth after watching Hanrahan walk Howard and Jayson Werth in front of him. Ibanez drove a 94 mph fastball to right field, sending the crowd of 41,620 into a frenzy.

Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton allowed three homers and six runs in 4 1-3 innings, raising his ERA to 8.41 through four starts. Zimmerman's first shot smacked off the brick wall in straightaway center, and No. 2 nearly made the second deck in left.

Dukes' homer might have traveled the farthest, landing well beyond the fence in center.

The five homers allowed by Philadelphia brought its season total to 39, highest in the majors.

Notes: Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (strained muscle on right side) didn't play for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he is on a rehabilitation assignment. He felt something during batting practice and will be re-evaluated Tuesday. Phillies utility player Greg Dobbs started for the first time this season, playing third base to give Pedro Feliz a night off. Washington manager Manny Acta said Willie Harris (strained muscle on left side) will be activated from the disabled list Tuesday. Justin Maxwell will likely be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Acta also expects SS Cristian Guzman (left hamstring) to be activated Wednesday.

[Associated Press]

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