Utley's homer helps Phillies win series against Pirates, Lidge sidelined

(AP Photo/H. Rumph, Jr.)

The Phillies offense "exploded" for 6 runs today, getting timely hits from Greg Dobbs and Chase Utley to help them win 6-3 and take the series against the Pirates. The Phils offense finally appeared to wake up, considering it hadn't scored more than 5 runs in a game since July 31st when they scored 8 runs against the Nationals. Entering today's game, the Phils were only averaging 2.6 runs per game in August, so seeing them plate 6 was a welcome sight.

With the Phillies down 3-2 in the 7th inning, Dobbs, the pinch hitting master, doubled to tie the game and three batters later Utley homered to give the Phillies the lead.

Jamie Moyer pitched adequately for the Phillies, giving up 3 runs in 6 innings. The Phillies seem to finally be getting consistent performances from their starting pitchers. By my count that's the 8th straight outing where a Phillies starting pitcher has pitched well, with even some really good performances by Blanton and Myers mixed in. It seems like the pressure is now on the hitters to make the most of this great pitching streak.

Scott Eyre made his Phillie debut today, earning himself a phantom win for getting one batter out on four pitches. He did exactly what he was brought in to do and got a left-handed hitter out and just so happened to be in the game at the right time to earn himself a win.

The Phillies will now go west for a 7 game road trip out to LA and San Diego. They will play Manny and the Dodgers four times (starting tomorrow night in an ESPN game), and then play the lowly Padres three times next weekend. A split with the Dodgers and 2 out of 3 against the Padres will make for a successful road trip. Anything less will be disappointing.

Lidge injured And now for some bad news. Brad Lidge, who has been Mr. Dependable as the Phillies closer, has been benched for the last two games as he deals with "bicep soreness". Lidge thinks he can be ready to play again as soon as Monday, so this isn't something to panic about, although any type of injury to a key player at this point in the season could spell trouble. If Lidge continues to miss games, expect the trio of Ryan Madsen, Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero to close games, depending on the situation.