The Phillies are piling up runs -- and wins

ESPN.com

Updated: May 28, 2008

Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

Chase Utley has 17 homers, the most ever by a second baseman by the end of May.

GETTING THEIR PHIL

By Mark Simon, ESPN Research

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The Phillies made it a season sweep over the Colorado Rockies, the team that knocked them out of the 2007 postseason, and also moved within a half-game of first place in the National League East. And lately, it's been the offense doing the most damage.

Why are the Phillies winning? Well, the obvious answer is Chase Utley's MVP-caliber performance -- he hit another homer Wednesday and is hitting .310 with three homers and 15 RBIs his past eight games -- but his supporting cast has provided punch as well. Geoff Jenkins, Philadelphia's most recent acquisition, is the latest to produce. His three RBIs on Wednesday give him six in his past three games. The Phillies have brought back memories of the 1993 team by putting up similar offensive numbers.

There's every reason to believe the Phillies will be in the hunt in the NL East all season, especially because you figure Ryan Howard will eventually join in the fun with some big-number production.

Phil up the scoreboard
Past eight games
Batting average .321
Runs 9.1
Home Runs 15
Stolen bases/Caught stealing 9/0
W-L 6-2

Past Baseball Tonight Clubhouses: May 27 | May 26 | May 25 | May 22 | May 21 | May 20

FORWARD THINKING: THURSDAY

Jesse Litsch • Blue Jays at A's, 3:35 p.m. ET: This is one of only two matchups Thursday featuring pitchers with winning records. Jesse Litsch (6-1, 3.57 ERA) is 5-0 over his past seven starts, allowing just one walk over that stretch. Dana Eveland (4-3, 2.90 ERA) is coming off his best start of the year, a complete-game three-hitter against the Rays.

Jorge Campillo • Braves at Brewers, 1:05 p.m. ET: The other matchup of winning pitchers. Jorge Campillo (1-0, 0.86 ERA) has not permitted a run over his past five outings, a run of 15 1/3 innings. This will be Campillo's third start of the year. Seth McClung (2-1, 3.55 ERA) is making just his second start. He won his first one by beating the Nationals on Saturday.

Randy Johnson • Giants at Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m. ET: Randy Johnson (4-1, 4.03 ERA) has not lost a decision since April 20. He is dominating left-handed hitters, who are hitting .111 against him this season. Can Barry Zito (1-8, 5.65 ERA) make it two in a row? The lefty is coming off a strong outing against Florida, going 6 1/3 innings for the victory.

• Complete list of pitching probables for Thursday's games


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BBTN ON THE AIR: THURSDAY

TIME WHO'S ON?
9:30 p.m. ET
ESPN2		 Host: Steve Berthiaume
Analysts: Buster Olney, Chris Singleton, Fernando Vina, Peter Gammons
1:20 a.m. ET
ESPN		 Host: Steve Berthiaume
Analysts: Fernando Vina, Chris Singleton

BBTN MINUTE: PHILLIES OFFENSE ERUPTS

WEDNESDAY'S NOTEWORTHY PERFORMANCES

GOOD
Jeff Suppan• Jeff Suppan pitched eight shutout innings as the Brewers beat the Braves. It was the first time all year Suppan has gone more than seven innings.
BAD
Joel Peralta• Joel Peralta and the Royals bullpen gave up six runs in the last two innings to allow the Twins to pick up a 9-8, come-from-behind win.
UGLY
Tom Gorzelanny• Tom Gorzelanny gave up six runs without getting out of the first inning in a 9-1 loss against the Cincinnati Reds. His ERA is now 7.38.

FANTASY: PREVIEW OF THURSDAY'S GAMES

Will Harris examines the pitching matchups in store for the 10 games on Thursday's schedule in the American League and National League.

Fantasy Harris also looks at injuries and details player reports that could help shape your roster for Thursday's games. Daily Notes

NEWS AND NOTES

Travis Hafnerl• Travis Hafner had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder Tuesday. He hopes to play Friday in Kansas City. If he is not ready to play by the weekend, Hafner, who has missed three games with the shoulder issue, could be placed on the disabled list.

Rocco Baldelli• Rocco Baldelli could be ready to head to extended spring training soon. Baldelli, eligible to come off the 60-day DL on Thursday, has been out with a mitochondrial disorder.

Alex Rodriguez• Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter both struggled at the plate against Baltimore. Rodriguez went 1-for-11 in the series; Jeter was 2-for-12.