Phelps stays hot as Clippers cruise

You won't see a much better two-game stretch at the plate than the one Cord Phelps has enjoyed.

The Columbus second baseman followed up his 4-for-4 effort Wednesday with another four-hit performance Thursday night, going 4-for-5 with a home run, a double and five RBIs in the Triple-A Clippers' 7-1 win over Durham.

Over the two-day span, Phelps has gone 7-for-8 with three doubles, two home runs, nine RBIs and four runs scored.

A International League midseason All-Star, the second baseman has put up quality numbers this season, hitting .283 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs. But even he said that he was surprised by his recent hot streak.

"It's pretty cool," Phelps said. "It's kind of a weird thing. It's not really how baseball usually goes, but when things fall your way like this you just have to ride it out.

"I'd say it is [my best two-game stretch]. I don't know if I can remember two games where I've put as many quality swings on the ball."

The 24-year-old has made a steady ascent through the Cleveland farm system since being selected by the Indians in the third round of the 2008 Draft. Phelps saw some action in the Majors at the end of last season, batting .155 in 35 games before returning to Columbus in 2012. He said the prospect of another late-season callup has not burdened his mind, though.

"The goal is just to enjoy [the rest of the season]," Phelps said. "I just want to stay in the moment and have fun, enjoy being with my teammates. As for offseason, I'll take some time off, then take some time to reflect on what things I did well, what things I did poorly and get ready for next season."

The Bulls mounted a late comeback to steal a 9-7 win Wednesday, but Columbus starter T.J. McFarland made sure Durham did not enjoy the same good fortune Thursday.

The No. 20 Indians prospect scattered six hits over seven one-run innings to pick up his sixth victory of the year. Loek Van Mil followed with two innings of no-hit relief to secure the win.

Lance Pendleton (7-5) took the loss for Durham, giving up six runs on 10 hits -- including homers by Phelps, Gregorio Petit and Russ Canzler -- over five frames.