April 5 -- A QUALITY START FOR EATON?

CINCINNATI -- Is this really happening?

As I typed this, Ryan Howard just stepped on first base to end the seventh inning, and ladies and gentlemen, Adam Eaton has retired 15 of the last 17 batters. After allowing single runs in the first and second innings, Eaton has been, dare I say, dominant in a notorious homer-friendly ballpark. To this point, he has posted his first quality start (at least six innings, no more than three runs) since last July 3 in Houston, a span of 15 starts.

Most impressive, he has thrown only 78 pitches through seven innings.

If the Phillies can get the lead, we may see Brad Lidge in this game, too.

(Update, 2:55 p.m.): As I filed that post, Howard clobbered a homer off lefty reliever Kent Mercker that nearly landed on the berm in center field. Phillies lead, 3-2. It's worth noting that Howard just missed hitting two other homers today, flying to the warning track in left field in the first inning and center in the third.

(Update, 3:09 p.m.): Spoke a bit too soon. Corey Patterson just homered to center field to tie the game. Two on, two out, Eaton being replaced by Tom Gordon ... who strikes out Brandon Phillips. No win for Eaton, but a quality start nonetheless. Much more on this in tomorrow's paper.