Phillies overcome early deficit to re-take first place

(AP Photo/H. Rumph, Jr.)

A 4 run deficit is no problem for this offense. The Phillies trailed the Marlins 5-1 in the 3rd inning of Sunday's game only to score six unanswered runs to win the game, 7-5, and take over first place in the National League East. It was the Phils 6th win in their last 7 games and it gives them a half game lead over the second place Marlins.

Chase Utley once again helped to power the offense, hitting his 20th homer of the season, a deep shot to center field. Utley now has hit home runs in 6 of the last 7 games and also leads the National League with 50 RBIs. He is the definitive front runner for the NL MVP.

Also homering for the Phillies was Geoff Jenkins, who tied the game up at 5 with his pinch-hit homer in the 6th inning. Pat Burrell drove in the winning run in the 7th when he doubled in two runs.

Jamie Moyer looked shaky again, but managed to settle down just enough to earn the win. After allowing 5 runs in the first three innings, Moyer locked in and didn't allow another run. Brad Lidge continues to pitch lights-out and earned his 13th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.

Up next for your first place Phillies is a four game series with the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds, who just swept the Braves, are playing some pretty good baseball. Recent call-up Jay Bruce has lifted the offense by hitting .591 with 2 homers since he was called up last week. The Reds have some pretty shaky pitching, however, so the Phils should be able to feast on them.

Highlights of Sunday's win over the Fish, plus post-game analysis and interviews: