Congratulations to the red hot Mets for taking three of four games from the Phillies in a pivotal series, delaying Philly’s NL East celebration. The intensity on the field matched the passion of the fans in Queens, as the Mets’ unlikely push for a playoff spot made for an exciting showdown.
Despite Philly wasting a stellar performance from Zack Wheeler in a narrow 2-1 loss, the team still has a lot to play for in the final week of the regular season.
Let’s break down what lies ahead for the Phillies as they chase their first division title in over a decade:
The NL East
With a magic number of two to clinch the division and a five-game lead over the Mets, the Phillies are within reach of claiming the NL East crown. A pair of wins or a combination of wins/Mets losses will seal the deal for Philly.
On the flip side, the Mets face an uphill battle, needing to win at least 5 out of 6 games against tough opponents to have a shot at the division title.
A First-Round Bye
If the Phillies secure the NL East, they still have a shot at earning the No. 2 seed in the National League. This position comes with a valuable first-round bye, allowing the team to rest and strategize for the postseason.
Given their recent success without a bye, some may question the benefits of the rest. However, with a worn-out roster, the Phillies could use the extra time to recharge for the playoffs.
The No. 1 Seed
Securing the No. 1 seed in the NL would grant the Phillies home-field advantage throughout the postseason. With the team’s strong home record, this advantage could be crucial in a deep playoff run.
As the regular season winds down, the race for the top seed is tight, with the Phillies trailing the Dodgers by just a half game. It will be a nail-biting finish to see who claims the top spot.
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