The Phillies enter play today tied with the Mets at two games off the pace for the final National League Wild Card spot.
"It an important series in Boston, no doubt," said Rhys Hoskins following Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Padres. "It'll be electric in Fenway Park and we just need to go out and do what we need to do."
Hoskins is looking to get out of a 3-for-45 funk that stems back two weeks. He collected just one hit over the last six games.
"He's getting there," manager Gabe Kapler said on Sunday, speaking of Hoskins' ability to snap out of his current slump. "He's putting together some quality at-bats and it's just a matter of time."
"I feel great," Hoskins said. "I've watched hours of tape, it's going to get better."
Aaron Nola will start the series opener for the Phils, aiming to stay hot. He's 5-2 with a 2.09 ERA in his last 11 starts while allowing one earned run or less in eight of those starts. The Red Sox counter with left-hander Brian Johnson who is 1-1 with a 6.45 ERA over five starts this season.
An Important Swing
Following this two game set in Boston, the Phillies head south for a weekend set in Miami. Yes, the Fish are in the cellar in the NL East, but the Phillies have won just six of 13 contests against them this year. Given the Wildcard situation and the fact the Phils have a little more than a month to battle for a postseason spot, the next five games likely will have a significant impact on their odds of playing in October.
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