TODAY'S FEATURE STORY
Finally, after a five-game winning streak punctuated by an
8-7 victory over the Cubs, the Phillies are above .500 again
for the first time since being 1-0. At 20-19, they have
successfully treaded water in the schedule's weak beginning.
They are playing their best baseball of 2012. So long as
Carlos Ruiz hits like he did Thursday, life is easier. Ruiz,
making a feverish bid for his first All-Star Game selection,
increased his batting average to .363 with four more hits.
Ruiz drove in three runs. Hunter Pence had two more. The
Phillies lost five straight games started by Roy Halladay
before Thursday's eight-inning gem. That inconceivable
streak was halted. Drama was added only when rookie Jake
Diekman was charged with four ninth-inning runs. That
forced Jonathan Papelbon into the game for one out and
his 11th save of the season. Friday, the underachieving,
but dangerous Boston Red Sox arrive at Citizens Bank Park
for three. Then, the Phillies play their next 20 games
against teams with winning records. Things are about to
get interesting. This would be a great tine for Ryan and
Chase to return!
GET THE FULL STORY
