Stayin Alive

After losing 5 straight, the Phils have won their last 2 games. And with the Braves losing yesterday, the Phils gained a game and are 6.5 games out of first with 15 games to play.

They got 7 shutout innings from the bullpen, a go-ahead 3-run homer from Cesar Hernandez, and can still be mentioned, albeit quietly, in the postseason discussion. They'll try to finish the sweep of the Marlins this afternoon with Jake Arrieta getting the start.

Then it gets difficult. The Phils host the Mets for 3 games, and the Mets have won 10 of the 16 meetings between the teams so far. Then it's off to Atlanta for 4 games and Denver for 4 with the Rockies, who are also fighting for their playoff lives. The Phils close out the season Sept. 28-30 at home against the Braves.

The Phillies can't afford any more losing streaks and need to play their best baseball of the season over the next 2 weeks. It'll be interesting to see how they react.
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The Eagles play the Bucs in Tampa for their second game of the season. Tampa will be without a couple of starters in the secondary, and the Eagles will capitalize. My non-football guy prediction - Eagles 31, Tampa Bay 17.