Competition Stiffens for Phils
The Phillies are currently 3 games into a 20 game stretch where all the opponents are .500 or better AND are still considered contenders. They lost two of three to the Braves and have a quick turn around as they open a three game series against the Marlins. After the Marlins, the Phillies will see the Braves for the last time until right before the All Star Break. From there they visit St. Louis for two games and host Colorado for two more. That homestand will be followed up with a 3-game interleague match up against the Rangers and finish with a four game set against the Reds.
Three games in and they are 1-2. While the Phillies have a share of the best record in baseball, they have not faced the toughest of opponents. It looks like the Phillies are also in a stretch where the only off day they have is going to be on the 12th. So 17 games over the next 18 days, should really prove what the Phillies are made of, considering the opponents. At this point in the season, the Phillies really need to go roughly 12-5, with series wins in Atlanta and Florida, to maintain a good hold on the division lead. If the offense can manage to string some hits together, they should be okay.
My prediction: Phils will go 13-7 over these 20 games.