The Philadelphia Phillies' hold on a National League wild-card playoff spot has weakened to a one-game margin over the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports. CBS Sports reported that Arizona holds the tiebreaker in the race.
The Phillies were shut out 2-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of their final regular-season series, according to Fox News and Independent Journal Review. Fox News reported the team has lost 13 of its last 21 games and scored just two runs over 27 innings during that stretch.
In response to the tightening race, the Phillies turned to pitcher Aaron Nola on only two days' rest, according to Yahoo Sports.
Manager Don Mattingly said the team is not wilting under pressure, according to Fox News, though the outlet contrasted that statement with the club's recent results. The New York Post described the Diamondbacks' surge as 'magical' and characterized the Phillies' recent play as a collapse, drawing a comparison to the Phillies benefiting from a Mets collapse to reach the postseason in 2007.
How each side covered it
Center
- Yahoo Sports reported the Phillies started Aaron Nola on two days' rest as their wild-card lead shrank.
- CBS Sports reported the Phillies' lead over the Diamondbacks is down to one game, with Arizona holding the tiebreaker.
“The Phillies' lead is down to one game over the Diamondbacks, who hold the tiebreaker” — CBS Sports
Right
- Fox News reported the Phillies were shut out 2-0 by the Rays and have lost 13 of their last 21 games.
- Fox News noted manager Don Mattingly said the team isn't wilting, contrasting it with the team's results.
- The New York Post described the Diamondbacks' surge as 'magical' and compared the Phillies' situation to a collapse.
- Independent Journal Review reported the Phillies lost 2-0, tightening their playoff hopes.
“Phillies 'choking down the drain' with 'magical' Diamondbacks surging for final NL playoff spot” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened to the Phillies' playoff position?
The Philadelphia Phillies' lead for a National League wild-card spot has narrowed to one game over the Arizona Diamondbacks, who hold the tiebreaker, according to CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports.
Why did the Phillies lose to the Rays?
Fox News reported the Phillies were shut out 2-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of their final regular-season series, part of a stretch in which they lost 13 of 21 games and scored just two runs in 27 innings.
What move did the Phillies make in response to the slump?
According to Yahoo Sports, the Phillies started pitcher Aaron Nola on only two days' rest as their playoff position narrowed.
What did center- and right-leaning outlets focus on?
Center outlets, such as CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports, focused on the shrinking wild-card margin and the Phillies' pitching decisions. Right-leaning outlets, including Fox News and the New York Post, emphasized the team's recent losing stretch and framed it as a potential collapse.
What happens next for the Phillies?
The sources indicate the Phillies are nearing the end of the regular season with their playoff berth uncertain, but none specify the exact remaining schedule or outcome.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- CBS SportsCenterCould the Phillies blow their playoff berth? How recent slump, surging D-backs have made wild-card race messy
- Yahoo SportsCenterPhillies reporter goes nuclear on Phillies for 'choking down the drain' amid nightmare playoff push
- Fox NewsRight-leaningPhillies shut out by Rays in opener of final regular-season series, pushing playoff hopes to the brink
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningPhillies Lose 2-0, Playoff Hopes Tighten
- New York PostRight-leaningPhillies ‘choking down the drain’ with ‘magical’ Diamondbacks surging for final NL playoff spot