By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball
John Lannan spent the majority of last season in the minors, so he knew he had something to prove on Saturday night.
 
"I was just trying to keep the ball down and keep my team in the game," Lannan said, following the Phillies 4-3 come from behind victory over the Royals at Citizens Bank Park. "Emotionally, this type of win is huge for us."
 
Lannan tossed seven strong innings, surrendering three runs on five hits. He struck out five and allowed manager Charlie Manuel to use two of his most trusted relievers in Mike Adams and Antonio Bastardo to keep the Phillies in the game.
 
"Lannan pitched his ass off for us," Kevin Frandsen said. "He did everything he could to keep us in the game."
 
It was Frandsen's pinch-hit bases clearing double in the ninth inning that won the contest for the Phillies.
 
"It's still early and wins are wins," Lannan said. "But you still need to look at the big picture, and if everyone does their job then it's all going to work out."
 
The Phillies can pull even with the .500 mark with a victory on Sunday. The club then will host the Mets for a three-game set before heading to Miami for a series with the Marlins.
 
"Now we need to keep the ball rolling," Manuel said. "This could be the spark we need."
 
- Patrick Gordon is the managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball or contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.

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