Freddy Galvis, Ryan Howard finding a groove for Phillies

Freddy Galvis is in a groove. The Phillies shortstop just might be coming into his own. He scored the game-winning runs Friday and Sunday and made a spectacular defensive play Saturday. Galvis helped propel the Phillies to a series win over the Braves, who they edged 5-4 Sunday afternoon.

“It feels really good right now,” Galvis said. “I’m having good at bats and enjoying what’s happening..”

Part of what is making it work for Galvis is that he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder. The energetic Venezuelan is the starting shortstop even if he gets into a funk.

“If you go 0-4, you have the opportunity to go out there the next day,” Galvis said. “It gives me a lot of confidence.”

Ryan Howard looks like he has a bit more swagger after belting a pair of big homers over the weekend. Howard’s three-run blast against the Braves Trevor Cahill gave the Phillies a lead they wouldn’t relinquish enabling Jerome Williams, who pitched decently, to win the rubber match.

“I feel like I’ve been swinging the bat well,” Howard said. “The results may not show it but eventually balls will drop.”

Howard has hit three homers in the last five games but he remains under the Mendoza line. He and Chase Utley have been hitting the ball on the nose of late but typically at opposing players.

Perhaps the future bodes well for Howard, who normally hits very well in his hometown of St. Louis, where the Phillies will kick off a road trip Monday with a four game stand in Cardinals country. The Big Piece also typically shifts into a higher gear when it’s warmer.

“I have a feeling things are going to change soon,” Ben Revere said. “I haven’t had the start I’d like to have and the same can be said for many of the guys here. But baseball always averages out. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the balls start dropping in. We’re due and I think we’re starting to play a bit better. It’s the perfect time since we’re going on this road trip.”