Todd Zolecki is right – it’s only June – but damn if the Phillies don’t need to start playing better against their biggest rivals.

A 2 game split in early May in Philly was followed by a 2 game sweep of the Phils at Citi Field. Since that series on May 6 and 7, the Phillies have gone 19-11 while the Mets have posted a 17-12 win-loss record. The Phillies were in 1st place when they marched into Citi Field in early May, and they have done so again this week.

The Phillies lost a game they should have won last night and won a game they should have lost tonight. Either way, they go into tomorrow’s rubber match with a chance to take 2 of 3, which would give the Phillies a 4 game lead over the Mets. As Zolecki wrote, it hardly means the Phillies will be hoisting their third divisional banner when the 2009 season is over, but given this season’s roller coaster ride so far, I think we’ll all take it.

For those who missed it, Mike Pelfrey got his thong in a twist over Chase Utley calling time during his at-bat and gave Utley a look as he walked off the field in the 6th inning. Waaah.

One last thought: could Citi Field look less alive, save the Phillies fans in attendance? Could Carlo Beltran look more cavalier in CF? Is there a more annoying pitcher in the history of this rivalry than Francisco Rodriguez? Answers: No, no and no.

For those who missed my screed about Citi Field from when I was up there in early May, here’s the Cliff’s Notes: Citi Field < Citizens Bank Park.