If it was necessary to point out that, though winning, the Phillies' offense was AWOL, it's necessary too to stress that their 11-hit effort in a 9-5 loss Sunday to the Mets in New York had several encouraging facets.

For one, Domonic Brown has raised his average to .320.

For another, Ben Francisco is stirring, porviding two hits and an RBI.

For another, Raul Ibanez is hitting .337 (32 for 95) since escaping an 0-for-35 slump. He hit his seventh homer of the season Sunday.

Vance Worley had nothing ... and not a lot of defensive help.

But if the Phillies can hit like that, with the starting pitching they possess, they will have the N.L. East won with three weeks left in the season.

Check out my coverage from New York in the Daily Times Monday and on delcotimes.com