For two years, the Phillies, their apologists and too many of their fans have denied what continues to become as obvious as it is ridiculous: They can't hit.

It cost them in the NLCS last October. It is why they are one game from elimination in the NLDS after spending $160,000,000 to build a 102-win regular-season team.

In their last 25 innings, the Phillies have gone scoreless in 22. They are old, deteriorating and scrambling for answers.

One to expect: Hunter Pence returning to the No. 5 hole, perhaps --- perhaps --- jolting Ryan Howard out of one of his many career lulls. Asked Wednesday if that was a possibility, Charlie Manuel did not say no. That made it almost as good as a yes.

One thing is certain: Manuel cannot run that batting order out there again and expect different results.

Check out my column on the offensive struggles --- and a story on the latest Ryan Howard struggle --- in the Daily Times Thursday and as always on delcotimes.com