Myers helps Phillies take 2-0 lead over Dodgers

Friday, October 10, 2008

Philadelphia Phillies' Brett Myers hits a two-run single during third inning baseball action in Game 2 of the National League championship series Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, in Philadelphia. Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Russell Martin and umpire Jerry Meals watched. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

By ROB MAADDI
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Of all those big hitters in Philadelphia's potent lineup, no one ever expected pitcher Brett Myers to put them in control of the NL championship series with his bat.

Myers did better at the plate than on the mound, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, Shane Victorino drove in four runs and the Phillies overcame another homer by Manny Ramirez to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 Friday for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS.

A grieving Charlie Manuel was in the dugout with the Phillies, hours after the manager's mother died. Players and coaches from both teams offered condolences before the game.