Just like that, it's hittin' season again at Citizens Bank Park.
That's the way former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel always described summer, when the temperatures heat up, the hope would be that the Phils' bats would as well.
That's certainly the hope Phillies brass has now. That's why they fired hitting coach John Malee and turned to the venerable, 75-year-old Manuel.
"Cholly" returned to the Phils' dugout last night, exactly six years to the day he was seen glumly walking out of Citizens Bank Park toting a Wawa bag after being relieved of his duties as Phils's skipper.
And just like that, the Phillies' bats came alive.
The biggest difference Manuel might make was clearly in evidence last night.
The Phils were attacking pitchers. No more working the count. If they saw a pitch they liked, they were taking their rips.
They also were much better playing situational ball, hitting behind and advancing runners. Making sure they got their bat on the ball. Sacrifice flies with runners in scoring position.
The result ruined Cole Hamels' return to Citizens Bank Park.
It was a bit of a reunion night. Hamels, who wore a patch honoring longtime Phillies executive David Montgomery, received a standing ovation. Then he got lit up by the Phils' bats.
The Phillies took a second straight game from the Cubs, rolling to a 11-1 win.
They stand two games back of the Cubs in the wild card race.
But it's hittin' season again. Anything is possible.
Here's Rob Parent's coverage of Manuel's return to the dugout last night.
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