One mighty swing by Ryan Howard got the Philadelphia Phillies going again. 

Umpires went to instant replay Friday night to review a drive by Washington's Kory Casto, then upheld their call that it was a home run. 

Ryan Howard hit his major league-leading 48th homer, Joe Blanton pitched six effective innings and the Philadelphia Phillies moved closer to clinching the NL East title with an 8-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night. 

Ryan Howard hit his major league-leading 48th homer, Joe Blanton pitched six effective innings and the Philadelphia Phillies moved closer to clinching the NL East title with an 8-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night. 

If there's ever one thing a fantasy owner is looking for, it's a bargain. 

MEDICAL WATCH: 3B Ryan Zimmerman (flu) sat out Sept. 

The team's first season at Nationals Park ended Thursday, and while it can be measured as a disappointment by almost every available metric, manager Manny Acta said he was happy with the way the team's inaugural year at the park played out. 

--3B Ryan Zimmerman was out of the posted lineup for the second consecutive night with the flu. 

With a lead and three outs left, the Philadelphia Phillies have been outstanding this season. 

Unlike most of the Florida Marlins, Wes Helms has been to the playoffs. 

MEDICAL WATCH: 3B Ryan Zimmerman (flu) sat out Sept. 

Among the Nationals' many problems in 2008 has been a lack of offensive power. 

--3B Ryan Zimmerman and SS Cristian Guzman each missed Wednesday's game against the Marlins with flu-like symptoms. 

The budget-conscious Florida Marlins used a young, talented group of players to become surprise contenders for a large part of the season. 

His Florida Marlins were officially eliminated from playoff contention a day earlier, and the opposing Washington Nationals would end this night with their 99th loss.