By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – For the first time in awhile, the Phillies are heading into a series on a bit of an uptick.  After winning two straight to take a series in Colorado, the Phillies open a three-game series in Los Angeles tonight.

Even with this mini-jolt of momentum, the Phillies are still buried in the National League East with a 39-51 record.  They are 14 games out of first-place and 11 games out of the wildcard.

Joe Blanton will get the start tonight on the mound for the Phillies.  The right-hander is 7-8 this season with a 4.98 ERA, but he has really struggled keeping the ball in the yard.  Blanton has allowed at least one home run in 11 straight starts.  And in his last 61 2/3 innings, he has been taken deep 18 times.  This after allowing just two longballs in his first 48 2/3 innings.

In five career starts against the Dodgers, Blanton is 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA.

Los Angeles will give the ball to right-hander Nathan Eovaldi who is 1-5 with a 4.21 ERA this season. The 22-year-old hurler has never faced the Phillies in his brief career.

KYW’s Matt Leon spoke with Mandy Housenick, Phillies beat writer for the Allentown Morning Call, about the Phillies and this series with the Dodgers.

**CLICK HEAR TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW**

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.