Marlins keep upper hand against Phillies

PHILADELPHIA — Rick VandenHurk overcame Ryan Howard’s early home run and the Florida Marlins once again beat the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies, 7-2, Friday night.

Cameron Maybin had four hits, scored three times and drove in a run, and Jorge Cantu drove in three runs. The Marlins have won six of the last seven against the Phillies (92-68), who remained a game behind the Dodgers in the race for best record in the National League and potential home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.

Howard’s 44th homer accounted for the Phillies’ only runs. He connected in the first inning and leads the majors with 140 RBIs.