This past week started very poorly for the Phillies but ended on a high note.

Coming off a tough series with the Florida Marlins in which the Fightin Phils lost the final two games, including a gem thrown by ace Cole Hamels, the Phillies rolled into Flushing hoping to put some distance between them and the Mets. Mission accomplished, sort of. After one of the most amazing comebacks in recent history, the Phillies failed to capitalize on the momentum built from winning the series opener and looked flat the following two games. The Phils won one inning, while the Mets won 26 innings. The Phils simply lucked out and won the right inning, avoiding a sweep.

On top of their struggles on the field, the Phils have had to deal with some off the field issues as well. Reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins was late to Saturday’s game and was summarily benched by manager Charlie Manuel for breaking team rules.

After the debacle in New York, the Phillies came home to face the Atlanta Braves a game out of first place behind the Mets. Unfortunately, they followed up their uninspired play in New York with one of the worst games I have ever witnessed. The Phillies failed to score a run until the ninth inning, getting just three hits off young right-hander Jair Jurrjens, who had lost two of his previous three games coming into the series. Phillies’ closer Brad Lidge had perhaps his worst outing of his career, giving up five runs without getting an out, including a grand slam to Brian McCann.

The Phillies battled back from a week and a half of lousy play to win the final two games against the Braves to win their first series since before the All Star Break. Despite a rocky outing by Hamels on Saturday, the Phillies edged out the Braves 10-9 on Greg Dobbs‘ pinch hit three-run home run, his league leading 20 pinch hit of the season. It was his fifth pinch hit home run of his career, and his second of the season. Dobbs tied the Phillies franchise record for pinch hits with Doc Miller, who had 20 of his own in 1913. Dobbs is hitting .362 (34-for-94) as a pinch hitter since joining the Phillies, including a lusty .435 (20-for-46) in that role this season.

The Phillies did something they have been seemingly unable to do in months on Sunday: they capitalized on the momentum built in the previous game and won another slugfest, holding off a late inning run by the Braves to win 12-10. Despite a shaky outing by Joe Blanton and a rain delay that sent both starting pitchers to the clubhouse for good, the Phillies used the long ball to bring themselves back to within a game of first place.

As of Monday night the Phillies were tied with the Marlins for second place in the National League East, just a half game behind New York, who lost to Florida because of another bullpen meltdown. The Phils look to get back into first place as they set to face off with the Nationals in Washington Tuesday.

As they fight their way back to first place, the Phils could have some help on the way as trade deadline fast approaches on Thursday at 4 PM EST. There has been intense speculation that Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes could be headed to Philadelphia, as well as reports that Boston Red Sox‘ outfielder Manny Ramirez’s top trade destination is Philly. Keep posted as we continue to bring you all the latest trade news and rumors.

In other Phillies’ news, embattled former starter Adam Eaton has accepted an assignment to AAA Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Pitcher J.A. Happ was recalled to the big league club, perhaps to be showcased before Thursday’s trade deadline.

In exciting news, the Philadelphia Soul won their first ArenaBowl Championship, winning 59-56 over the San Jose SaberCats on Sunday. The Soul’s victory begs the question, and the impending debate, does this end the 20 year championship drought in Philly?

In Eagles‘ news, star running back Brian Westbrook reports to camp despite his reported discontent with his current contract. Cornerback Asante Samuel has been diagnosed with a mild hamstring strain, but it is not considered serious.

It was reported Monday that the Sixers have agreed to terms with guard Kareem Rush. He has averaged 6.8 points per game and shot 36 percent from three in five seasons with the Lakers, Bobcats and Pacers.

Continue to monitor Hot Stove Philly as we bring you the latest in trade news, reports as the Phillies continue to fight their way back into first place, and from Eagles’ training camp, as well as all the other sports news of the day.