Quickfire Howard reaches the 200 mark

Ryan Howard became the fastest player to reach 200 career home runs, powering his red hot Philadelphia Phillies to a road win against the Florida Marlins.

Ryan Howard bats in the eighth inning of baseball game against the Florida Marlins in Miami.

Ryan Howard became the fastest player to reach 200 career home runs, powering his red hot Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-0 road win against the Florida Marlins on Thursday. Howard steered a solo shot to right field in the sixth inning to reach the 200-mark in just 658 games, 48 fewer than previous record-holder Ralph Kiner.

sports@thenational.ae

Updated: July 18, 2009, 12:00 AM