Florida Marlins' Mike Jacobs goes over the railing of the first base photo pit as he chases a foul ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies' Jimmy Rollins in the second inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kyle Kendrick doesn’t have overpowering stuff and he doesn’t light up the radar gun. Somehow he keeps finding ways to win.

Kendrick pitched six scoreless innings, Ryan Howard homered and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Florida Marlins 5-0 on Wednesday night.

The NL East-leading Phillies moved 2 1/2 games up on Florida and three ahead of the New York Mets.

Kendrick (10-5) allowed four hits and pitched around five walks to win at home for the first time since beating Cincinnati on June 2.

‘‘You get in those situations (with runners on) and you have to make your pitches,’’ Kendrick said. ‘‘I don’t want to get beat. Maybe I make better pitches.’’

Kendrick matched his win total from his rookie year when he came from nowhere last season and bailed out a depleted staff to help the Phillies win the division.

‘‘Every team needs a guy like him,’’ catcher Chris Coste said. ‘‘You’re not going to have five Cole Hamels.