"The ball sailed into the second deck in the right-field stands, and Citizens Bank Park erupted with joy. Ryan Howard's three-run homer won Game 1 for the Phillies and highlighted a stout offensive performance.

It seems like ages ago.

Howard started the National League Division Series with a bang, but the past three games have yielded little more than a whimper.

Since his three-run homer in Game 1, Howard is just 1-for-13 with six strikeouts. His three whiffs Wednesday marked the 10th time he's struck out at least three times in a postseason game, by far the most in history.

At this point, even Howard admits he's a bit lost at the plate.

"I feel like I've been jumping out, trying to get pitches instead of just letting them come to me," Howard said. "I think for me, I need to be a little more patient and sit back a bit.""