Philadelphia, which leads the National League with 171 home runs, have hit at least one in 10 straight games, and 22 in its previous 15. The 2006 team hit a franchise-best 216 in 2006, led by Howard's 58, also a team record.
Every Phillies starter had at least one hit, except third baseman Pedro Feliz. Blanton had two singles, the first multihit game of his career, to become the third straight Phillies pitcher to record two hits in a game. Jamie Moyer and Cliff Lee did it Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
For once, Blanton (8-6) benefited from the offensive barrage. Despite heading into Wednesday with a 2.17 ERA in his previous nine starts, the right-hander had only three runs to show for it. He allowed a season-high 10 hits, but limited Arizona to three runs. The Diamondbacks leave Philadelphia on a five-game losing streak.
Philadelphia scored three first-inning runs off Davis (7-11), highlighted by Ben Francisco's two-out single. The Diamondbacks scored a run in the second, and tied the game with two runs in the fourth.
After Chad Tracy's single tied it, Blanton retired 15 of his final 17 batters.
NOTES: Blanton has not allowed a stolen base in his last 10 starts, and has only issued four walks in his previous 51 innings. ... Howard has six hits in his previous 12 at-bats vs. left-handed pitchers, including three doubles and a home run. ... Members of the Orlando Magic took batting practice at Citizens Bank Park before Thursday's game, as part of an annual team-bonding event hosted by guard Jameer Nelson, a Chester, Pa., native and former Saint Joseph's University star. Nelson was the only player to hit a home run. ... RF Justin Upton (right oblique strain) ran the bases and took fly balls in the outfield before the game. The team is targeting Monday for Upton to being a rehab stint, with Class A Visalia.
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