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I have to admit that, over the past few days, I've been fairly disconnected from the Phillies. Oh, sure, I look at the box scores and look particularly for some favorites -- Dom, Galvis, et al -- but I've been fairly embedded in New Orleans. I could tell you more about a Ramos Gin Fizz or Boudin blanc than I could about how Pettibone looked last night, and I guess that's fairly sad. I mean, sad until I drink a few more Ramos Gin Fizzes, anyway.
But, I'm still far happier writing this gamethread up the day after a win than the day after a loss. Because if the Phillies can salvage this series with a win, they'll be tied for second in the NL East. And for such an ostensibly brutal squad, that's fairly uplifting and fairly unexpected. Who knew they had it in them? Who knows if they can keep it up? The Braves are riding an eight game winning streak, so things are looking grim in that direction, but hey, if they end the day 5.5 games back in the division, before June? I'll take it.
The whole thing is equal parts less exciting and more surprising when you're not actively watching it happen. I'm jealous of everyone watching the game live today, but I'm at least loving the team's direction. Discuss said direction and raise a glass of whatever libation you've chosen this lovely morning below.