Games of Wednesday, September 7, 2005 - Wagner Wilts in 9th - Astros Rally for 3 in 9th to Win 8-6

In what will undoubtedly be viewed as the critical loss if the Phillies fail to make the playoffs, Billy Wagner - making his third consecutive appearance against his old team - crumbled in the 9th inning. Craig Biggio hit a three-run HR with two outs in the 9th, with the Astros trailing, 6-5. It was Wagner's second consecutive loss to Houston, and the Phillies' fifth in a row. Houston now leads the wild card race by 2 1/2 games.

It would seem only reasonable to declare the Phillies' slim hopes of overtaking Atlanta to be officially dead, as the loss meant further lagging behind the Braves and Marlins, who both won. With 22 games left, the Phillies trail Atlanta by 8 and Florida by 1.5, and it is obvious that the Phillies are not going to make up eight games on the Braves in that span. Ironically, what this now means is that it is in the Phillies' best interest for Atlanta to stay hot (except, obviously, when they face them) since Atlanta plays mostly NL East opponents the rest of the way.

At the end of Wednesday, September 7, 2005

NL East

Atlanta 81-59 ---
Florida 74-65 6.5
Philadelphia 73-67 8

NL Wild Card

Houston 75-64 ---
Florida 74-65 1
Philadelphia 73-67 2.5
Washington 72-68 3.5
New York 70-69 5