Revere securing hold on Phils' leadoff spot

PHILADELPHIA -- Nine days ago, Ben Revere was hitting .244. Eight games and 16 hits later, his season average was up to .274 heading into Tuesday's game against Washington.

Revere hit safely in each of those eight games and was 16-for-37 (.432) in that span. The center fielder has four multi-hit games in those contests, including a two-hit performance in the series opener against the Nationals on Monday.

Manager Charlie Manuel has tried many different lineup combinations this season, and that has given a few different players an opportunity in the leadoff spot. However, that spot has belonged to Revere lately, and though Manuel said his lineup can be different every day, Revere is striving to stay atop the order.

"That was my main goal, trying to find a rhythm back again. ... I feel good," Revere said. "I want to be that leadoff guy, I want to be playing center field every day. If I keep busting my tail, I can get to that point."

One of the main assets Revere offers is speed, and he leads the team with 17 steals this season. He has also scored seven runs during his hitting streak -- one of which was the game-winning run on Monday night.

"He's playing a lot better. He's getting more hits, he's getting on base," Manuel said. "And when he can steal bases and score runs, his talent shows up."