The Phillies are entering an extraordinarily crucial part of their season. Seven of their next 10 games are against the St. Louis Cardinals, a team ahead of Philadelphia in the race for the final wild card spot. St. Louis has a 2 1/2 game lead over the Phillies. The San Francisco Giants are just a game behind St. Louis. The Cardinals are also a game back of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Unless the Marlins string together a lengthy winning streak and get back into the race, three teams, the Phillies, Cardinals/Brewers and Giants, will likely battle for the final playoff spot in the National League.
Phillies set to begin crucial series against Cardinals
