Phillies have what it takes to repeat

The Phillies starting rotation got off to such a bad start this season, it seemed there was no way the Phillies would have a shot to repeat as World Champions.

The last couple of weeks have changed that thought.

Led by their ace, Cole Hamels, the pitching is back on track and riding a seven game winning streak, the Phils have jumped out to a three game lead in the NL East and are the second best team in all of baseball.

The winning streak started with a sweep of the lowly Washington Nationals. J.A. Happ pitched well in the first game, allowing three runs in five plus innings. Hamels struggled a little bit in the second game, but a mammoth grand slam by Ryan Howard carried the Phillies to a 9-6 win. The Phils completed the sweep behind Jamie Moyer's six innings and one run allowed. It was also his 250th career win.

June began with a three game sweep of the San Diego Padres. Joe Blanton won the opener after going seven strong innings and allowing three runs. Rookie Antonio Bastardo won his major league debut over former Cy Young award winning Jake Peavy in the second game and another strong outing by Happ (seven innings, no runs) earned the Phillies the sweep.

After a brilliant complete game shut out of over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, the Phillies seven game winning streak ended yesterday. Moyer pitched great, allowing two runs in seven innings, but an error in the bottom of the ninth cost them the lead and the game.

There were a lot of worries about the staff a few weeks ago and the Phillies were looking around for another starter. Then Brett Myers went down with a season-ending hip injury and the pursuit of pitching has intensified. Until they can find another top of the line starter, the Phillies have got to be happy with what they have seen lately.

There is no question they will hit. And if the question about whether or not they can pitch effectively is removed, then there is no reason the Phillies can't make another run at a title this season.