As the Philadelphia Phillies strive to secure their spot in the postseason, the stakes couldn’t be higher with just nine games left on the schedule. Despite a recent stumble with their fifth starter, the team still has a lot to play for as they gear up for a crucial series against the Mets in New York.
An official postseason berth
The Phillies are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot, needing just one more win to secure their place in the postseason. With top pitchers like Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Zack Wheeler scheduled to start in the upcoming games against the Mets, the team is in a prime position to achieve this milestone.
The NL East crown
The Phillies currently hold a magic number of four to clinch the NL East title. With a six-game lead over the Mets and nine games remaining, they have a chance to claim their first division championship since 2011 by winning two out of three games in the upcoming series against the Mets.
While the Braves are still mathematically alive, trailing by eight games, the Phillies can eliminate them from contention with a win and an Atlanta loss. The race for the NL East crown is coming down to the wire, making each game crucial for Philadelphia.
A first-round bye
With the best record in baseball at 91-62, the Phillies are in contention for a first-round bye in the playoffs. While the bye provides much-needed rest, recent history shows mixed results for teams with this advantage. Nevertheless, the Phillies are pushing for the No. 2 seed, which would secure them a direct entry into the NLDS.
To achieve this, the team needs a combination of wins and losses from other playoff contenders. Facing the Cubs and Nationals after the Mets, the Phillies are focused on maintaining their position in the standings to secure the coveted first-round bye.
The race for the No. 1 seed
As the top seed in the NL, the Phillies have the opportunity to enjoy home-field advantage throughout the postseason. With the most home wins in baseball this season, the team is looking to secure the top spot in the NL and potentially host the World Series at Citizens Bank Park.
Currently tied with the Dodgers for the best record, the Phillies have a slight edge due to a tiebreaker. The race for the No. 1 seed is intensifying, with both teams aiming to finish strong in the final stretch of the season.
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