Howard hits Number-43 as Phils gain ground...Oswalt still throwing blanks

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Ryan Howard hit his major league-leading 43rd homer, 45-year-old Jamie Moyer pitched 5 2-3 effective innings and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 to gain ground in the playoff race. The Phillies pulled within three games of the NL East-leading Mets and the wild card-leading Brewers, who've lost eight of 11.

HOUSTON (AP) Roy Oswalt (OHZ'-wahlt) threw his second straight complete-game shutout and set a Houston record for consecutive scoreless innings, helping the Astros gain ground in the playoff chase with a 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Oswalt hasn't allowed a run in 32 1-3 innings, breaking J.R. Richard's team mark which had for 28 years.

UNDATED (AP) Several sporting events, including an NFL game, two baseball games, some major-college Football games and a WNBA game, are being rescheduled as Hurricane Ike approaches the Texas coast. In Major League Baseball, the first two games of the weekend series between the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs have been postponed with no makeup dates immediately announced.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) It looks like fifth-ranked Ohio State won't have star running back Chris "Beanie" Wells for Saturday's game against top-ranked Southern California. Coach Jim Tressel (TREH'-sehl) says Wells is doubtful due to lingering soreness in his right foot that was injured in the season opener two weeks ago.

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) China's Shanshan Feng shot a 5-under 67 for a share of the first-round lead with fellow LPGA Tour rookie Anna Rawson in the Bell Micro LPGA Classic. Feng has missed the cut in 11 of her 19 tour starts this season.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-12-08 0101CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list