Stanton gets 3 hits in losing debut for Marlins

PHILADELPHIA - Ben Francisco hit a two-run single with two outs in the eighth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies rallied for a 10-8 victory over the Florida Marlins last night.

While phenom Stephen Strasburg struck out 14 in his much-anticipated debut for the Washington Nationals, the Marlins highly touted slugger Mike Stanton was 3-for-5 with two infield singles and scored twice in his first game for Florida.

Stanton batted seventh and played rightfield in his debut. He impressed the Marlins during spring training with his power but was sent to Double-A Jacksonville for seasoning. The 20-year-old slugger dominated the Southern League, hitting .311 with 21 homers and 52 RBIs in 52 games to earn the promotion to the majors.

Brad Lidge pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth. He retired Ronny Paulino on an infield popup to end it.

Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino homered for the struggling Phillies, who scored more than three runs for just the third time in the last 16 games. They overcame deficits of 4-0 and 6-3 in their best offensive performance since a 12-2 win over Pittsburgh on May 17. - AP