Chicago @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( May 19, 2010 ) Chi. Cubs 4, Philadelphia 1

The Philadelphia Phillies' high-octane lineup is in need of an oil change.

Although they’re still the National League leader in offensive categories ranging from runs scored (214) to batting average (.276), Charlie Manuel's club has sprung a leak in back-to-back outings.

Is this a temporary problem? Perhaps, but disconcerting nonetheless to the two-time defending National League champions.

The Phillies (24-15) have mustered a total of two runs and 11 hits in consecutive losses to the unlikely duo of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs. Their loaded lineup will look to get untracked in the finale of a two-game series against the Cubs (19-22) on Thursday afternoon.

For starters, let's consider the plight of shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who has been moved around more than a struggling sitcom.

When he's not in his customary leadoff position, Rollins subbed for an absent Chase Utley in the No. 3 slot as the four-time All-Star second baseman was hampered by flu-like symptoms.

In Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Cubs, Rollins batted sixth while speedy Shane Victorino was pegged as the team's leadoff hitter. Victorino was held hitless in four at-bats while Rollins, who went 1-for-4 on Wednesday, is 3-for-12 since he was activated from the disabled list with a calf strain.

The Phillies also let good chances go to waste, converting on just 1-of-10 opportunities with runners in scoring position.

While the hitting has temporarily sputtered, the Phillies' pitching has been solid. Philadelphia starters have ventured into the seventh inning in each of their last six starts.

Right-hander Joe Blanton (1-2, 5.49 ERA) will look to continue that trend when he takes the hill on Thursday.

After missing the first month of the season with an oblique injury, the hefty hurler is slowly finding his form - albeit his ERA remains as robust as his waistline. Blanton allowed five runs and six hits in seven innings last Saturday, but the Phillies slugged their way to a 10-6 triumph over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The matinee is preferred by the 29-year-old Tennessee native, who posted a 4-1 mark in eight afternoon starts last season.

In search of their season-high fifth straight win, the Cubs will counter with Ryan Dempster (2-4, 3.49 ERA). The 33-year-old right-hander has pitched at least seven innings in six consecutive outings - but positive results have been hard to come by.

His biggest problem seems to be run support. Chicago has backed him with more than three runs on one occasion - an 8-1 victory over the Brewers on April 23.

Dempster struggled early against the Pirates in his last start, permitting three runs in the first inning before settling down to record six scoreless innings. His early troubles plagued him as the Cubs dropped a 4-3 decision on Saturday.

Rookie shortstop Starlin Castro has ignited the offense for manager Lou Piniella's club. The youngest player in the majors, Castro went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and has hit safely in 10 of 12 games since he was recalled from Double-A Tennessee.