Kyle Kendrick struck out a career-high eight over seven strong innings to lead the surging Philadelphia Phillies to their fifth straight win, 3-1 over the Miami Marlins on Monday night.

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Staked to a 3-0 lead, Kendrick (9-10) took a no-hitter into the sixth before Rob Brantly's leadoff single. The right-hander escaped a bases-loaded jam when he struck out Giancarlo Stanton on a changeup.

Often overlooked on a staff that includes Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, Kendrick has been a huge reason why the Phillies (70-71) are on a late push to get into the NL wild-card race. He's won five of his last six starts and has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his past six.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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