Yesterday, it was just a slight nudge.  Today, it’s a full blown kick to the midsection and I’m in the pit of despair.  The Braves are now 5 games back of the Phillies and the Padres are now only 1 game out of the wildcard race.  It’s becoming very tentative now and another loss tonight by the Braves could spell certain doom.

The Braves have had opportunity after opportunity in this series with the Phillies.  And time after time they have failed to capitalize.  They once again committed 2 errors.  Once again, the inning ending double play groundout was evident.  Poor baserunning decisions.  And another great pitching performance from the Phillies starter, this time Roy Halladay.  All of this added up to yet another loss for the Braves.

Tonight’s game is so important.  To leave Philly with a win would be such a morale boost for the Braves and their fans.  The Braves have Thursday off to recover from this grueling, playoff like atmosphere of the last 3 days.  Up next the Braves have a series with the Nationals, a team as everyone knows, who can pull a win out on any time in the National League.  These games are must wins for the Braves as well.  After the Nationals, the Braves get the Mets again.  Then, it’s the end of the season and the Phillies again at home this time.  During this time, the Phillies get the Mets and then the Nationals before going to Atlanta to play the Braves.

The Braves have to win.  The Padres have the Reds, the Cubs, and the Giants to finish the year.  The Giants are in this mix too and the Rockies as well.  But the Braves have to concentrate on what they are doing on winning their games – all of them.  Nothing else matters at this point.  The pit of despair is a difficult place to be – and an even harder place to get out of.  I hope the Braves don’t leave me here.