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Phillies just one game back in NL East

Sep 27, 2007 - 12:56 PM Atlanta (83-75) at Philadelphia (86-72), 7:05 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- On September 12 the Philadelphia Phillies were seven games out of the National League East Division lead. Thanks to a 10-3 surge and the New York Mets recent 4-9 skid, what seemed to be a slim possibility is now well within reach.

As the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves in the rubber game of a three-game series on Thursday, they sit just one game behind the New York Mets (87-71) in the NL East for the first time all season.

Philadelphia (86-72) is also just one game back of the San Diego Padres (87-71) in the NL wild card chase.

Atlanta is not officially eliminated, but needs plenty of help as it is four games behind the Mets in the NL East and four back of the Padres in the wild card race with just four games to play.

Rookie Kyle Kendrick (9-4, 3.83 ERA) will take the mound for the Phillies. The 23-year-old righthander has faced Atlanta only once this season, giving up two runs over five innings on September 5.

Kendrick pitched six innings in his last start against Washington on Saturday, allowing one unearned run on six hits with six strikeouts.

Veteran John Smoltz (14-7, 2.95) will be on the mound for the Braves. The 40-year-old righthander has not allowed more than three runs in his last 10 starts, going at least six innings in each outing.

Smoltz went eight strong innings in his last start on Saturday against Milwaukee, giving up two runs on two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts. In his only start against Philadelphia this season, Smoltz gave up three runs over six innings back on April 2.

Atlanta has won eight of their last 10 games.