This is an 8* BIG-CHALK CHOKE-OUT on the Phillies.

The Phillies are 4-1 in their last five. They're second in the NL East behind the Braves, who they won't catch.

They won't catch the Dodgers either, but after that, they're in a neck and neck race with four or five other teams for the other Wildcard spots. A couple months ago, things looked a lot bleaker for the Phillies, but they've been getting healthier as the season has progressed, and that's helped in turning things around after a slow start.

Pittsburgh got out to an unreal start this season, but it fell apart a month before the All Star break and the slide into mediocrity continued in last night's 2-1 series opening loss.

Now with veteran Aaron Nola (9-6, 4.25 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) on the hill, I like the Phillies to keep the good times rolling in this favorable matchup, as he'll be opposed by Quinn Priester (1-1, 9.28.)

This is a big time starting pitching matchup and everything points to a lop-sided outcome in the end.

Because of that, I'm laying the price with confidence on PHILADELPHIA.

Good luck, NP