Oct. 25 -- IN-GAME: ROLLINS, UPTON & MORE

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Three innings complete, with the Phillies leading 2-1. Five quick thoughts before I start tapping away for The Paper:

1. Looks like the extra batting practice worked for Jimmy Rollins. He singled in his first two plate appearances, snapping his 0-for-10 World Series slump. Prior to tonight, Rollins had three hits in his last seven games (3-for-31). Rollins slid awkwardly into second base when he was caught stealing moments ago. It seemed he lost his footing. But he appears to be OK.

2. If there's a center fielder who plays shallower than B.J. Upton, I haven't seen him. I noticed it during Game 1 at the Trop Dome, but forgot to mention it here. Chase Utley just hit a line drive that I swore was going to be over Upton's head. But he retreated fast enough to haul it in.

3. Something to watch for as the game goes on: Carlos Pena is 10-for-20 (.500) with two home runs in his career against Jamie Moyer. Carl Crawford is 9-for-19 (.474).

4. Welcome to Philly, Evan Longoria. During his at-bat in the first inning -- and, I presume, during his upcoming at-bat in the fourth, fans chanted "Eva! Eva!" And while he isn't a desperate housewife, Tampa's Longoria is desperate. He's 0-for-9 with five strikeouts in the Series.

5. Runners in scoring position count: 1-for-30

Enjoy the rest of the game. More later.