Howard's hit drops Jays on Canada Day

Ryan Howard hit a go-ahead two-run single in the ninth inning and the Phillies rallied past the Blue Jays 7-6 yesterday spoiling Canada Day in Toronto.

Trailing 6-5 heading into the ninth against Blue Jays closer Frank Francisco, Placido Polanco led off with a walk and Chase Utley followed with a fly to left that Juan Rivera misplayed into a double, putting runners at second and third. Howard followed with a two-run single to center, giving Francisco (1-4) his fourth blown save in 13 chances.

Shane Victorino flied out and Ben Francisco doubled Howard to third before Marc Rzepczynski came on for Frank Francisco. Danys Baez (2-3) pitched one inning of relief for the win, and Antonio Bastardo closed it out.

Reuters

GAME WINNER: Ryan Howard strokes a two-run single in the ninth inning yesterday to lift the Phillies to a 7-6 victory over the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Red Sox 7, Astros 5

In Houston, Adrian Gonzalez hit a go-ahead two-run double after Dustin Pedroia drove in a pair of runs during Boston's six-run seventh inning, helping the Red Sox rally for a win over the Astros.

White Sox 6, Cubs 4

At Wrigley Field, Alexei Ramirez hit a two-run homer, and the White Sox opened their weekend series against the crosstown Cubs with a victory.

Cardinals 5, Rays 3

In St. Petersburg, Fla., Colby Rasmus hit a three-run homer during a wild eighth inning that featured four ejections, leading the Cardinals past the Rays.

Braves 4, Orioles 0

In Atlanta, Jair Jurrjens threw a one-hitter for his first career shutout, Jason Heyward ended a long home-run drought and the Braves beat the Orioles.

Nationals 2, Pirates 1

In Washington, Matt Stairs drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth, leading Washington over the Pirates to give interim manager Davey Johnson his first win.

Indians 8, Reds 2

In Cincinnati, Grady Sizemore hit the first of Cleveland's three homers off Bronson Arroyo, and the Indians remained perfect against the Reds.

Rangers 15, Marlins 5

In Arlington, Texas, Alexi Ogando limited the Marlins to two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings with a career-high eight strikeouts, ending the right-hander's personal three-game losing streak in the Rangers victory.

colby rasmus, danys baez, shane victorino, placido polanco, chase utley, bronson arroyo, jason heyward, jair jurrjens, grady sizemore, three homers, wrigley field, matt stairs, manager davey johnson, frank francisco, ryan howard, career shutout, juan rivera, 4at, adrian gonzalez, interim manager

Nypost.com