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Phillies Eaton hopes 2008 brings better results

Apr 5, 2008 - 1:21 PM Philadelphia (2-2) at Cincinnati (2-2) 1:10 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) - Adam Eaton looks to put a horrid 2007 season behind him on Saturday when the Philadelphia Phillies continue a four-game series with the Cincinnati Reds.

Eaton, who was slowed by back problems this spring, was booed loudly during the introductions prior to Monday's home opener against Washington.

The 30-year-old Eaton went 10-10 last season with a career-worst 6.29 ERA. The righthander struggled so badly he was left off the Phillies' postseason roster.

"I understand the way things work. I have to prove myself again," Eaton said. "I know what I can do when I'm healthy, and that's pitch better than I did last year.

"I know what I've done in the past, and I can do it again. You get some doubts when you have the kind of year I had. But you fight through that."

Philadelphia took Friday's series opener, 8-4, as Chase Utley homered twice and Pat Burrell added a two-run shot. Utley, who notched career home runs No. 99 and 100, has feasted on Cincinnati pitching.

The All-Star second baseman is 13-for-22 with seven home runs and 13 RBI in his last seven games vs. the Reds.

Utley and the rest of the Phillies have a tough assignment though, as Cincinnati sends ace Aaron Harang (0-1, 3.00) to the hill. The righthander allowed three runs and six hits in six innings of a 4-2 loss to Arizona on Monday.