Surging Phillie offense propels them into first place

(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

All the Phillies needed to do to get Brett Myers a win was put up 12 runs. Myers, who hadn't won a game since April 17th, looked like he was on his way to another shaky start when he gave up three runs in the first inning in Friday nights game against the Florida Marlins. Fortunately, Myers settled down, striking out 11 batters and shutting the Fish out in innings 2 through 8 to earn the victory that pushes the Phillies back to the top of the National League East.

Of course the offense was the story of the night. The Phillies, fresh off scoring 48 runs in their last 4 games, put 12 runs on the board tonight with the help of three homers. Homers by Chris Coste and Chase Utley helped the Phillies score 7 runs in the second inning and Ryan Howard added another blast in the 4th inning. For Utley, it was his major league leading 18th homer and it gave him 4 home runs in his last 5 games. We can also officially call Ryan Howard's slump officially over now that he has hit 10 home runs and driven in 29 runs in the month of May. Let's call April a blip and enjoy watching him mash his way to another 40 homer, 100 RBI season.

Tonight's victory was a statement win for the Phils. They needed to come out and show the upstart Marlins who really owns the NL East and they did just that by blowing them out of the water. The offense has been unbelievable lately, shooting all the way up to second in the majors in runs scored behind the Cubs. The bats will cool off eventually and then the pitching staff will be counted on to make their mark. For now, it doesn't matter what the pitchers do because the Phillies are tearing up the opposition.

The Phils look to win their sixth straight game and hold on to the division lead tomorrow when Cole Hamels takes the mound against the Marlins. I think we are due for another Hamels classic after the way he was roughed up by the Astros last time out. Of course, the way the offense is going, the Phils could spot the Marlins 10 runs and still win the game.

Highlights of Friday's big win: