In Thursday’s ninth inning, down 12-2, the Phillies offense came to life. Run-scoring hits by Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez followed by Ryan Howard’s two-run home run, his second of the game, showed the lineup’s potential for big innings.

The eight innings that preceded the ninth, however, exemplified the frustration Philly bats have been feeling in 2010. As Baseball Prospectus’ Christina Kahrl explains in July’s Scorecard EXTRA (above), it has been a tougher go for the two-time defending NL champs this season on offense.

But the Cubs can’t sleep on the Phillies Friday afternoon. Philadelphia has had Chicago’s number the last decade, winning eight straight season series. Thursday’s final frame may have sparked the surge for nine straight.