Astros Lost To Pirates, Phils Only One Back

The Houston Astros lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, 7 - 0 at PNC Park. No no, this isn't suddenly Pittsburghist. We're interested in this game because the Astros were sitting a game and a half ahead of the Phillies heading into last night's action. After the loss, the Astros find themselves only one game ahead of the Phillies, sure to make the eventual Phillies collapse that much more heartbreaking.

The Phillies, Astros and Florida Marlins are the top three contenders for the Wild Card, with the Washington Nationals looming in the background as longshots. All three teams have 12 games remaining. The Phillies play the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves, followed by the struggling Cincinatti Reds, the fading New York Mets, and the Nationals.

The Wild Card is very well within reach for the Phillies. We're on the edge of our seats waiting to see how they'll screw it up.