WASHINGTON (AP) - Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer, Alec Asher pitched six innings of two-hit ball coming off a suspension, and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Washington Nationals 4-1 on Thursday night.
Peter Bourjos homered for the Phillies, who have won three of four.
Asher (1-0), who earned his first major league victory, was suspended for 80 games while on the disabled list with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in June after a positive drug test. He made four minor league appearances beginning in late August and his suspension ended Sept. 4.
The right-hander pitched to contact, walking one batter without a strikeout, and throwing 75 pitches.