Scott Lauber

Despite Aaron Nola having a solid start and Kyle Schwarber and Derek Hill tacking on homers, the Phillies' eighth inning collapse sunk them back five games out of first place in the NL East.

PHILADELPHIA — There's something about a rookie who throws 100 mph that thrills a jam-packed crowd. In September, amid a tightening pennant race, it can overstimulate even the public-address announcer.

Painter gave up four runs in the second inning and five in total across five innings. The loss prevented the Phillies from gaining ground in both the division and wild-card races.

PHILADELPHIA - Alec Bohm stopped when he should have gone. Brandon Marsh kept going when he should have stopped.

Alec Bohm stopped after he should've gone. Brandon Marsh kept going after he should've stopped. In the spaces in between, the Phillies lost.

The second homer of the season against Duran wasted a gutsy effort from Zack Wheeler, who went seven innings and threw 110 pitches.

PHILADELPHIA — Bring on the Braves? Sure, why not? But before the Phillies hopped a flight Thursday for a weekend showdown with the division leaders, they squandered an opportunity to set up a true first-place showdown.

It's all about finding a strategy. But Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly has his own with Realmuto: "If he thinks it's a strike, challenge it.”

The Phillies and Braves are set to square off again this weekend in Atlanta, so it's the perfect time to check in with Jeff Francoeur, who played for both teams and calls Braves games on TV and radio. Francoeur joined Phillies Extra to help break down the race for NL East supremacy.

Since talking with Ichiro Suzuki in Seattle late last month, Turner has started to hit. The Phillies will need him in the stretch run and playoffs.