Houston, we have a problem

Let’s get the ugly part of this out of the way first.

The cynic in me tells me the Phillies are done, cooked. Stick a fork in them. The only problem with that is that I have made similar proclamations about four different times this summer.

Still, how could they tease us, then go to Houston and implode?

Uh, Houston, we have a problem.

Actually, it’s the Phils who have a problem with the Astros. The team with the worst record in baseball took three of four from the Phils, and may very well have stuck a pin in the balloon otherwise known as the Phils’ Wild Card chances.

Maybe this is all Houston’s revenge for 1980, when the Phillies prevailed in one of the all-time great National League playoff series, with the Phils prevailing on the way to a World Series win.

In particular, the Astros have been a thorn in the side of these present-day Phils.

Since 2004, Houston is the only National League team that has compiled a winning record against the Phillies juggernaut, going 35-23.

Maybe it’s the revenge of Ed Wade, who was banished to the Astros before returning this season.

The Phillies now sit four games back in the Wild Card race with 15 to play.

It was a long shot to begin with. But after another nightmare weekend in Houston, it’s a lot longer.

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