But the Phillies are in contention to lead the Eastern League in attendance for the second straight year.

The Phillies drew 9,009 fans Saturday night for the fifth annual Harley Davidson Night to boost this year's total to 397,396.

Barring a rainout of which there have been four at FirstEnergy Stadium this season the Phillies will surpass the 400,000 mark in attendance today for the sixth straight year. But last year's club record of 486,570 is out of reach.

With eight home games left, the Phillies are in a tight three-team race with Akron and Trenton for the league attendance title. Akron, with 10 home games left, is 15,070 behind. Trenton, also with 10 home games left, is 28,733 behind Reading.

The Phillies lead the league in average attendance with 6,623 per game compared to 6,480 for Akron and 6,144 for Trenton. The Eastern League media guide recognizes the team that draws the most fans as the attendance champion for the season.

That means the postponements and early cold weather that held crowds down in April including a season-low 2,389 on April 17 could cost the Phillies.

The Phillies haven't won back-to-back EL attendance titles since winning three straight from 1991-93.

Play it again: Mostly because his hands were tied due to injuries, Reading manager Greg Legg turned in the same lineup (other than starting pitcher) for back-to-back games for the first time in his two years as Phillies manager.

With outfielders Jay Sitzman and Josue Perez out with injuries, catcher Edgar Cruz was the only healthy body on the Phillies' bench. Cruz is likely to catch this afternoon's game, the finale of a three-game series with the Akron Aeros.

It was the first time since 1998 that Reading used the same nine players in the same positions and the same spots in the batting order in consecutive games.

Out of position: Reading's rash of injuries have forced utility infielder Uriel Casillas to make the first two outfield starts of his seven-year professional career. Casillas started in right field Friday and Saturday.

Prior to Friday, Casillas' only other outfield appearance was May 17 of last year when he moved from second base to left field in the middle of the game.

In the house: Former Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees oufielder Ken Griffey was at FirstEnergy Stadium Saturday night.

Griffey and his wife sat behind home plate with other scouts and VIPs. Griffey is a scout for the Cincinnati Reds.

Contact Brian Rippey at 610-371-5070 or brippey@....