Phillies Get 17 Hits to Beat Marlins, 14-8

The Florida Marlins followed up their no-hitter with a 17-hitter.

Ryan Howard hit his 54th home run, one of four homers by the Philadelphia Phillies, and they rallied to defeat Florida, 14-8, Thursday night.

Chris Coste, Chase Utley and Jeff Conine also homered for the Phillies, who overcame a 3-0 deficit against rookie Josh Johnson (12-7) to win the opener of a four-game series between NL wild-card contenders.

The Marlins’ Anibal Sanchez threw a no-hitter Wednesday against Arizona, but Johnson’s no-hit bid lasted only until the third batter, when Utley singled. He was one of five Phillies to finish with two or more hits.

“They have some boys who can slug,” Marlins Manager Joe Girardi said. “It’s not the type of game we like playing.”

Philadelphia closed within 2 1/2 games of wild-card-leading San Diego with 22 to play.

The teams tied a stadium record with seven homers. Howard hit his 10th in 15 games and said the 60-homer milestone is on his mind.

“But at the same time, I try to kick it out,” Howard said. “It is an achievement, but you don’t want to get caught up in it. When that becomes your No. 1 priority, you lose your plan.”

Conine, who spent much of his career with the Marlins, received a warm ovation when he batted leading off the second inning.