Ruiz getting job done at the plate with a bat

He stated that he wouldn't mind getting two more hits in Game 2.

For somebody who had just one hit in 14 at-bats during the Phillies' NLDS four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, that seemed like an ambitious statement.

Ruiz didn't get his wish, but for the second straight game, the catcher known for his defense came through with his bat.

Ruiz went 1 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored during yesterday's 8-5 win over the Dodgers, giving the Phillies a 2-0 advantage in this best-of-seven series.

In the bottom of the second, Ruiz tied the score at 1-1 with a two-out RBI double that drove in Greg Dobbs. Ruiz then scored on slugger Brett Myers' RBI single and the Phillies wouldn't relinquish the lead.

"It was a big hit because there were two outs," Ruiz said. "I felt great to get that hit."

Ruiz said he hit a fastball.

"It was a pitch that was there to hit and I was able to get a good swing," he said.

Ruiz, who hit just .219 with four home runs and 31 RBIs during the regular season, is now 3 for 7 against the Dodgers (.429).

"I have been taking extra hitting and it has helped," Ruiz said. "And now that I have some hits the past few days, it feels really good."

Ruiz has caught all six of the Phillies postseason games but he has been in the lineup over Chris Coste for his defense. Any offense is considered a bonus.

It's interesting to note that somebody known for his defense, had to talk about what could have been a critical play in the fourth inning when Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal reached first base on a strikeout wild pitch with two outs. Russell Martin then singled and Manny Ramirez brought them all in with a three-run home run, cutting the margin to the final score of 8-5.

Even though it was ruled a wild pitch, Ruiz took responsibility for the play.

"There is no excuse for that," he said. "I have to be ready when there are two strikes."

The pitch bounced to the plate, but again, Ruiz said it was a catchable ball.

"I just wasn't ready for that and that is a play I have to make," he said.

Then again, he is now making several plays with his bat.

Despite hitting eighth in the order, Ruiz feels the responsibility to carry his weight offensively.

"Everybody talks of my defense, but I also want to help the team hitting," he said. "I hope this continues."