Final score: Phillies 4, Padres 3
Not too long ago, it seemed like the route for the Phillies to reach the postseason was simple: division or bust. Now — with the Braves on fire and showing no signs of slowing, and the Phillies four games back of the NL East lead — that might not be the case.
Friday bolstered that argument. The Phillies took the series opener from the San Diego Padres, who hold the second NL Wild Card spot, and now sit four games back in that race as well — with a chance to make up more ground over the weekend.