Phils Could Clinch NL East

PHILADELPHIA (AP) –  The Philadelphia Phillies' magic number is down to two, and the defending NL East champs could wrap up another division title Saturday night. Joe Blanton pitched a good game on Friday night as the Phillies took their 11th straight game, 3-2, over the Mets.

The Phillies now have the best record in baseball, a seven game lead over Atlanta and a six game lead for the best record in the National League. Given that the Phils only have eight games left, they are a lock to have home field advantage through the playoffs.

And the Phillies will have an extra day in the NL playoff series, meaning they only need to use Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt as starters. Also, Jimmy Rollins will return Sunday for the Phillies' final regular season home game.

The Phillies will then have one week to get ready for the playoffs, but can anyone stop the Phils from a World Series return?The Philiies should be able to rest Roy Halladay and the Big Three of Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt are 12-0 in September.

And the Phillies will have Jimmy Rollins back for the playoffs, along with a resurgent duo of Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson.

Right now, the only team the experts think can give the Phillies a fight in the playoffs is the San Francisco Giants, who had strong starting pitchers. But the Giants are in a fight with San Diego for the NL West title and could even miss the playoffs in the Braves and Padres play well.

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