PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Phillies are one victory away from their second World Series title in their 125-year history after they slugged four home runs in a 10-2 win over Tampa Bay for a 3-1 series lead.
Joe Blanton became the first pitcher in 34 years to hit a homer in a World Series game when he connected in the fifth inning. Ryan Howard hit a three-run home run in the fourth and a two-run shot in the eighth. He has three homers in two nights. Jayson Werth added a two-run homer in the eighth.
Blanton is the first pitcher to hit a homer in a World Series since Ken Holtzman hit one for Oakland in 1974. Blanton was sharp on the mound, too. He allowed two runs and four hits in six-plus innings while striking out seven in earning the win. Blanton and four relievers combined on a five-hitter.
Both Tampa Bay runs came on home runs. Carl Crawford hit one in the second and Eric Hinske added a pinch-hit shot in the fifth.
The Phillies are 6-0 at Citizens Bank Park in this postseason.
They can close out the Rays tonight. The Game 5 starters are Scott Kazmir for the Rays against 14-game winner Cole Hamels of the Phils. Hamels is 4-0 with a 1.55 ERA in the postseason.-THEBOSTONGLOBE
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