Title Defense On as Phils Clinch NL East

by FanHouse NewswireFiled under: Phillies, NL East, MLB PlayoffsPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Now, the Philadelphia Phillies can rest and prepare to defend their World Series title. Kyle Kendrick pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Pedro Martinez and the Phillies beat the Houston Astros 10-3 Wednesday night to clinch their third straight NL East crown. Raul Ibanez hit his career-high 34th homer and Jimmy Rollins had a double and triple for Philadelphia, which is heading to the postseason for the third straight year for the first time since Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and crew won three consecutive division titles from 1976-78. The Phillies are trying to become the first repeat champions since the New York Yankees won three World Series in a row from 1998-2000. The Cincinnati Reds were the last NL team to win two straight in 1975-76.Title Defense On as Phils Clinch NL East originally appeared on Fanhouse MLB Blog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of fee...