Game Recap: Phillies lose to Braves 4-3

ATLANTA GEORGIA - It’s times like these when it feels like it is nearly impossible to beat a particular team. But in tonight’s case, the Phillies had multiple chances to take down the Braves whom they have struggled against at various points throughout the season.

It started with Aaron Nola who continued his late-season tribulations. Though the Phils ace was able to settle in going 7 complete innings, his 3rd and 4th frames during which he gave up a total of 4 runs would prove to be the Achilles heel of the team tonight.

Today’s game was a prime example of how one night can mean the difference in a team’s season. Coming into tonight’s matchup the Phillies had a commanding 4-game lead over the Brewers in the wildcard race and were still 1.5 games up on the idle Padres. Now with Milwaukee beating the Yankees and the Padres taking down Arizona, it looks as though the Phillies lead could be down to just 2 games by the end of the night.

It is however in my mind, nowhere near time to panic. The Phillies are playing a very good team right now, one of and maybe the best in Baseball for that matter. And I know nobody wants to hear this, but they played them close, and games like these do happen.

Aaron Nola did not have his best stuff tonight and the offense struggled against a top-ranked Braves pitching staff. The bottom line about this offense is the top guys in the middle of the order need to hit, and that has been the issue for the last few weeks. The Phillies have gotten lucky with how many times “the daycare” has pulled them away from certain defeat. As great as it is to see so many young players stepping up and helping to carry this team to the playoffs. It can only last so long and if the Phillies continue to rely on those young players to come through, they will not make it far.

Tempers have been high and that’s understandable, this team is attempting to make it to the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons, and they are not making it easy. I know you don’t want to hear this from some fifteen-year-old slaving over his computer, but I’m telling you now just be patient and it will come. This team has shown us numerous times why they deserve a playoff spot, they’ve fought too long and too hard to not make it. And I have no doubt, that come October this team will be taking part in the fall classic. But for now wherever you are, good morning, good afternoon, and good night, and of course Go Phils.