The playoff express

Even when they lose, the Phillies win.

Despite falling to the New York Mets, and thus disappointing their final regular season home crowd of the year, the Phillies still became the first National League team to wrap up a playoff spot.

That came courtesy of the Atlanta Braves loss to the Washington Nationals.

The Phils can clinch another NL East crown tonight with a win in D.C.

No doubt the Phils would have liked to seal the deal on Fan Appreciation Day. And there is a lot for this team to appreciate. The 45,302 who jammed into Citizens Bank Park marked the Phils’ 123rd straight sellout.

But the Phils fell behind, 5-0, closed it to 5-3, then watched the Mets tack on two more runs for the 7-3 win.

Cole Hamels, who has been majestic in September, probably should have fared better. He got victimized by a tight strike zone and an unfortunately slip in the outfield by Jayson Werth.

So the Phils – and the champagne – will board a train for Washington, where they will look to seal the deal tonight.

I guess you could call it the playoff express.

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