Phillies squeak past Pirates with help from All-Star

Joe Blanton and the Philadelphia Phillies are rolling as the first half of the season winds down.

Blanton pitched into the eighth inning, Jayson Werth drove in two runs on the same day he was named to his first All-Star team and Philadelphia beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 on Friday night.

The NL East-leading Phillies have won seven of eight, all at home, after entering their 10-game homestand with 14 losses in 18 games.

"Here lately, it's kind of like we're getting used to winning again," manager Charlie Manuel said.