The Phillies Bats Finally come Alive

The Phils broke the 10 run barrier for the first time since mid-May and looked good doing it.

The Philadelphia Phillies (31-26) defeated the Florida Marlins in a high-scoring affair, winning 10-8. Ben Francisco had the big hit of the night with a two-out, two run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Philadelphia the lead for good.

The most impressive part of this game is the way the Phillies didn't give up. The Marlins scored the first four runs of this game before the Phils responded in the bottom of the third inning with their newly awakened heart of the lineup

The middle of the lineup, minus a resting Jayson Werth, looked on the ball tonight. Ryan Howard and Chase Utley had two hits each.

Howard jacked his 10th home run of the season in the third inning, a two-run blast off Marlins starter Chris Volstad.

Every player in the Phillies lineup, except catcher Carlos Ruiz, had a hit for the Phillies.

Raul Ibanez had four hits for the Phils, the most of any regular. Ibanez also had 2 RBIs on the night as he brings his total on the season to 24 total. The four hits for Ibanez are the most he's had in a game in over a year as all of his power numbers are significantly down from last year. Ibanez only has 3 home runs on the season with a .246 average.

While the bats woke up, the solid starting pitching for the Phils went away.

Kyle Kendrick got the start for the Phils and struggled through just five innings while allowing six hits and five earned runs. Kendrick didn't factor into the decision.

Jose Contreras (3-2) entered the game in the eighth inning and got the victory despite giving up a run while striking out two batters. 

Brad Lidge came in to save the game in the ninth and his performance was reminiscent of last year's version of Lidge. He made the top of the ninth very interesting as the Marlins were able to load the bases before eventually grounding out to end the game. Lidge picked up his third save of the season.

The Phils are back at it tomorrow night as we'll see a perfect rematch.

It will be the same pitching matchup as it was the night Roy Halladay pitched his perfect game. It will be Halladay vs Josh Johnson tomorrow night at the Bank with a 7:05 pm start time. Get there early, this should be a quick one.