.jpg)
On May 3rd Ryan Howard was batting .163 with 6 home runs and just 16 RBI's. Not exactly what the Phillies were hoping from their first basemen. Fortunately, it's not where you start but where you finish, and Howard is headed in the right direction.
Over the last 25 games since June 13th, the 2006 NL MVP has hit .307 with 12 home runs driven in 34 RBI's. Two of those bombs - well, not that you need to hit a bomb at Citizen's Bank Little League Field - came yesterday afternoon to take over the major league lead in home runs. The player he passed, his infield mate Chase Utley. Great sluggers? Yes. Ballpark assists mightily? YES.
Howard's still only batting .234, but at least for Philly's NL East hope he's looking comfortable at the plate again and doing what he does best: drive in runs. Ryan also leads the NL in RBI's with 83. Phillies 4, Cardinals 1
*****
Thursday by the numbers....
11 Five major league games finished in the 11th inning last night, the most number of games finishing in the same inning past the 9th. Cool... I think.
7 When the wind is blowing out at Wrigley and Ted Lilly is pitching, it's a frightening place to be. Unless of course, you're at the plate. The Redlegs blasted seven home runs off the Cubs, sending most onto the streets and avoiding the sweep. Note to self: do not send harrassing text message to friends when Lilly is on the mound. I accept this payback.
5 Hits by Justin Morneau and Hanley Ramirez, leading both of their clubs to 11th inning wins. The way Morneau is hitting lately, we wouldn't rule out another MVP run. As for Hanley Ramirez, the Fish would have to win the NL East, but he's having a stellar year, regardless.
more
