PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 10th consecutive year may be added to the Philadelphia Phillies' postseason drought, as the team inches closer and closer to an inglorious season's end. That is, unless some sort of baseball miracle happens in the next five to six days.
"Yeah, we have to win out," a candid Brad Miller said after the Phils dropped the opener of their crucial series in Atlanta 2-1. "I think that's pretty much it. I think it's cut and dry."
The utility player is essentially correct, but even if the Phils do win their last five games, that doesn't guarantee them the postseason. They will still need help from at least one, but likely both, of the Braves' final two opponents -- one of whom they may not even have to face if the division is wrapped up prior to Oct. 4.
Heading into Game 2 of 3 against Atlanta this week, the Phillies are three and a half games behind the Braves in the standings (four back in the loss column). Atlanta's "Magic Number" -- or in the Phillies' case, their "Tragic Number" -- to have the Braves clinch the National League East is three. Any combination of Phillies wins and Braves losses equaling three gives Atlanta their fourth straight National League East crown and keeps 2011 as the last time the Phils were in the playoffs.
Even if the Phillies beat the Braves on Wednesday and Thursday, that will leave them 1 1/2 back heading into their final series of the regular season at the Miami Marlins, with Atlanta set to host the already-eliminated New York Mets this weekend. The Phils would need the Mets to spoil the Braves' aspirations, and possibly the Colorado Rockies to do the same as well Oct. 4, if that game is necessary.
If the Phillies had taken Game 1 against Atlanta, they would be in much better control of their destiny than they are now.
"Yeah, it is [disappointing]," manager Joe Girardi said. "But [Wednesday] is not out of our hands. And that's what we have to focus on."
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Tuesday slipped out of their hands because they managed only three hits against Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton, who out-dueled Phillies ace Zack Wheeler. The Phillies struckout 11 times on the night and didn't score a run until the ninth inning. In the first inning, Odúbel Herrera and Jean Segura reached base to begin the game. That set up a prime opportunity for Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto to do damage.
They didn't. The Phils came up empty-handed and went 20 consecutive innings, dating back to their previous couple of games, without scoring a run.
The Phils wasted Wheeler's biggest start of the season. His next-biggest start could be Sunday in Miami, assuming the Phillies haven't been eliminated yet by the Braves.
Simply put, they must win.
"If I'm pitching that meaningful game on Sunday then we're doing something right," Wheeler said. "We need to get there first and win these next few games and go into Miami strong."
Their sleepy offense needs to wake up -- immediately -- against Braves lefty Max Fried. And up-and-down Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola needs to silence the critics who often point out his uninspiring past September performances, and toss a gem.
They have close to no wiggle room for error. This is it.