Ruiz swinging hot bat for Phillies

PHOENIX -- Carlos Ruiz arrived in Los Angeles with a .204 batting average, no home runs and no runs batted in this season. The Phillies catcher had an on-base percentage of .328.

But after going 7-for-14 at Dodger Stadium in the four-game series, Ruiz arrived at Chase Field on Friday batting .270 with six RBIs, a home run and a .395 OBP.

"Things can change fast at any moment," Ruiz said in Spanish. "We were just looking to win the series and I hope it continues for me."

Being at Chase Field bodes well for Ruiz to continue his hitting success. He entered Friday's game with a .363 average against the Diamondbacks, batting .309 with a home run and six RBIs in 20 career games at Chase Field.

"That's the goal of the team and the individual player," Ruiz said, "to continue to play with the same intensity and put forth as much effort as possible. That's how teams win day to day and I hope to continue doing that."

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said it was just a matter of time before Ruiz would produce. Ruiz has batted second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh this season and hit seventh for Philadelphia on Friday night.

"He can handle the bat, he uses the whole field. In a lot of ways he's a situational type of hitter," Sandberg said. "He goes to right field very well and hits behind runners. He can drive in runs. He's a versatile hitter and it's nice to have him."