Isn't It Grand?

Ryan Howard hit a grand slam last night in a 6-1 victory over the Cardinals.

It was his second slam of the season.

It was the fourth slam of the season for the Phillies.

The Phillies have been scary good with the bases loaded this season. They are hitting .519 (14 for 27) with three doubles, four homers, 11 walks and 46 RBIs. They also have a .625 on-base percentage and a 1.074 slugging percentage.

To put those numbers into perspective, let’s take a look at the franchise’s single-season records with the bases loaded:

• Average: .410 (59 for 144) in 1976
• At-bats: 211 in 2005
• Hits: 63 in 2005
• Doubles: 11 in 1974 and 2004
• Triples: 4 in 1979
• Home runs: 8 in 1993 and 2005
• RBIs: 165 RBIs in 1976
• Walks: 21 in 1999
• On-base percentage: .419 in 1976
• Slugging percentage: .632 in 1976

Of the 11 walks with the bases loaded this season: Chris Coste, Jimmy Rollins, Matt Stairs and Chase Utley each have walked twice. Greg Dobbs, Jamie Moyer and Shane Victorino also have walked.

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A very encouraging performance last night from Joe Blanton. He allowed four hits, one run and two walks in six innings. He struck out three.

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