Howard looks to keep hot streak against Mets

Following a 1-for-25 road trip, Ryan Howard reversed course upon returning to Citizens Bank Park. During the Phillies three-game sweep of the visiting Houston Astros, Howard went 5 for 14 (.357) with two home runs eight RBIs and a 1.257 OPS.

Howard looks to continue his hot streak when the Phillies host the New York Mets in the first of a four-game series.

This has no doubt been a disappointing season for Howard who is hitting .220 with 18 home runs, 71 RBIs and a .683 OPS.

Despite his well documented troubles against lefthanders, Howard leads the National League with 25 RBIs against lefthanded pitching.

Overall against lefties he is hitting .238 with eight home runs and an .818 OPS in 101 at-bats. Against righthanded pitcher he is hitting .215 with 10 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .641 OPS in 317 at-bats.

So it will be interesting if Howard can feed off his performance against Houston or revert to the inconsistency that has marked this season.

Here is the Phillies lineup as A.J Burnett (6-11, 4.16) opposes Bartolo Colon (10-9, 4.12).

1. Ben Revere, CF

2. Jimmy Rollins, SS

3. Chase Utley, 2B

4. Ryan Howard, 1B

5. Marlon Byrd, RF

6. Grady Sizemore, LF

7. Carlos Ruiz, C

8. Cody Asche, 3B

9. A.J. Burnett, P