It doesn't help that the Phillies slugger has been in a major funk. He is hitting only .255 with runners in scoring position this season, and only .157 with runners in scoring position with two outs.
That didn't matter last night, as the Phillies left fielder hit a two out grand slam in the first innning to stake Philadelphia out to a 4-0 lead over the Houston Astros.
But the Phillies did not have killer instinct. Instead, they held on for dear life and a 4-3 win.
Coupled with loses by San Diego and San Francisco, Philadelphia now stands alone in second place in the wild card, 1 1/2 games behind the Padres.
Opponents have caught on. There is no reason for them to give good pitches to Utley and Howard with Burrell following them, not the way he has been hitting. But if Burrell is able to come through like he did last night, that could dramatically change how this season turns out.
If by chance, Burrell continues to hit, pitchers will have to pitch to Utley and Howard.
With only 15 games remaining, the Phillies need to make a run.
Their destination could rest more on the shoulders of Pat Burrell then they would like to admit.
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