By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor

Just a mere 24 hours ago, the Land of the Red Pinstripes was in a state of shock. Both Placido Polanco and Chase Utley were heading to the DL at the beginning of an important two-week stretch before the All-Star break.

The Phillies had to find a way to stay within striking distance of the Braves in the NL East as Atlanta is first on the docket when the Fightins return home next week.

A loss to the Reds Monday and the DL news from Tuesday seemed to sink the Phils fate. Now, following a dramatic 10th inning win Tuesday, the Phillies could actually leave Cincinnati with a series win, having knocked the Reds out of first place in the process.

The man charged with winning the rubber game? Roy Halladay.

With the Phillies lineup down three starters, ace Roy Halladay looks to pick up the slack in Wednesday's afternoon tilt against the Reds.

Let’s just say things actually look as good as you could hope for right now. A win today followed by a four-game series in Pittsburgh could put the Phillies in position to challenge for the division lead starting Monday.

Before jumping ahead, however, the Phils must take care of business one game and day at a time.

Today, Halladay and his 9-6 record and 2.29 ERA take on Aaron Harang and his 6-7 record and 5.07 ERA. It’s easy to give the Phils a win on paper today based on the matchup. But, as we’ve learned, you have to play the game.

While Halladay was hailed as the next hero in Philly, his presence on the mound does not guarantee wins. The Phillies lineup still has to score runs. Halladay has lost four games this year when he’s allowed three or fewer earned runs, In three of those games, he went at least eight innings.

Wilson Valdez and Brian Schneider can’t come up with three-run shots everyday. JRoll, Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard need to come up with the hits in today’s afternoon finale. Oh, and if Jayson Werth wants to show up, that’d be cool, too.