Rollins, Blanton Lead Phillies Over Pirates

Joe Blanton threw seven effective innings, Jimmy Rollins homered for the fourth time in five games and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-3 on Monday night.

Blanton (7-6) allowed three runs -- two earned -- and seven hits, striking out eight. Despite a 4.87 ERA, Blanton has more wins than Roy Halladay (4) and Cliff Lee (0) combined.

Coming off a disappointing sweep in a day-night doubleheader against Tampa Bay, the last-place Phillies rebounded in the opener of a four-game series with Pittsburgh. They are 15-2 against the Pirates in their last 17 meetings at Citizens Bank Park.

Jeff Karstens (0-2) gave up seven runs -- six earned -- and 11 hits in five innings in his first start since April 17. Karstens was on the disabled list with hip and shoulder issues.

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