PHILADELPHIA -- With little time to process a stunning loss to the Astros, the Phillies packed up their things to board a bus destined for the Philadelphia International Airport late Thursday afternoon.
They hope it will not be the last time they make that journey this year.
The Phils wrapped up their penultimate homestand with a crushing 2-1 loss to the Astros at Citizens Bank Park. Zack Wheeler once again looked like his usual self, but it wasn’t enough on a day when the Phillies managed only three hits.
So, with the game deadlocked at 1-1 entering the ninth, interim manager Don Mattingly turned to shutdown closer Jhoan Duran. After retiring the first batter, Duran served up what proved to be the decisive home run to Astros outfielder Cam Smith.
It was just the second homer allowed by Duran this season. The other came all the way back on May 22, when Cleveland's Kyle Manzardo also took Duran deep to break a tie.
Making matters even worse for the Phillies, the shocking ending came just more than an hour after the National League East-leading Braves had staged a late rally of their own to knock off the Rays. That extended Atlanta's NL East lead to four games over the Phillies heading into this weekend's crucial three-game set at Truist Park.
The loss also cut the Phillies' lead over the Cubs to just one game for the top NL Wild Card spot. Both the Braves and the Cubs have already clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Phillies.