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Kevin McAlpin covers the Phillies for 97.5 The Fanatic.  You can follow him on Twitter (@KevinMcAlpin).

The hot topic around the Phillies clubhouse yesterday dealt with whether Chase Utley is hurt or not.  Prior to the game, Utley addressed the media in the Philsdugout and said he was feeling pretty good.  He obviously wasn't kidding, because he went 2-5 including his 11th home run of the season and drove in 4.  Ryan Howard also came up big, smacking two long balls, and was just a single shy of the cycle.  Starter Joe Blanton (2-5) earned the win, and gave up just three runs over six innings.  The middle of the Phillies order combined for seven of the 11 hits on the night.  "Any time the middle of the order can contribute, it's going to lead to more runs" said Chase Utley.  "Hitting is contagious, so hopefully it keeps going."  There were a few scary moments last night as both Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth came up hobbling after close plays at first.  Then in the 8th, Carlos Ruiz took a broken bat off his head.  He was heading to a local hospital after the game to be evaluated.

This afternoon, Cole Hamels (6-5, 3.74) looks to keep the Phillies rolling as he faces Kevin Slowey (7-4, 3.84) in a 4:10 start.  Hamels was impressive in Boston Sunday, as the Phillies salvaged the series finale against Tim Wakefield.  Slowey on the other hand was rocked by the Braves Sunday, and didn't make it out of the fifth inning.  In fact, he's only made it into the sixth in four of his 13 outings this season.

What To Watch For:  Can the Phillies finally give Hamels some runs support?  He's getting just shy of four runs of support per game, so he hasn't had much wiggle room.  If the past three games are any indication, you'd have to like your chances!

Game Time Forecast:  Sunny skies with temps in the low 90's.