Bodog Beat

The Phillies try to improve their abysmal home record when the play the Pirates visit on Friday. (AP Images)

The Philadelphia Phillies have won six of seven so far on their 10-game homestand, and they could have Raul Ibanez for the first time in more than three weeks tonight when they play the first of three against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Philadelphia (-162 favorites) has baseball’s best road record at 26-15, but hasn’t played well at home. The Phillies began their homestand last week with a 13-22 record at Citizens Bank Park, and they’d lost eight of their last nine.

If Ibanez plays for the first time since June 17, he’ll face Zach Duke, who has been the Pirates’ best starter.

The lefthander is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in three career starts versus the Phillies.

Joe Blanton might be the wrong pitcher to face if the Pirates want to get off to a good start in Philadelphia. Blanton limited the Mets to four hits Sunday in a 2-0 win.

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