Howard Lifts Phillies to Win Over Giants

Ryan Howard took a glance at his 460-foot home run before dropping his head and circling the bases for the 30th time this season.

Howard’s homer, which caromed off a brick wall beyond the deepest part of the ballpark, was one of eight extra-base hits for Philadelphia. Pat Burrell went four for four, hit his 20th home run, and drove in four runs Saturday to help power the Phillies to a 14-6 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

“It was just one of those things to get that pitch,” Howard said. “It kind of took off. I caught it the right way.”

Howard hit his second home run in as many days, putting to rest claims that the All-Star home run derby harms a player’s swing.

“It’s just about getting back to your approach,” Howard said. “It’s more of getting your timing back when you face live pitching.”

Cory Lidle (6-7) pitched into the sixth inning and won his second consecutive start after an eight-game winless streak.