The Phillies enter Wednesday four games behind the Cubs and Brewers who are both tied for the final Wild Card spot.
"From here on out, it's like Game 7 of a playoff series every time we play a baseball game," Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler said. "Tough or not, challenge or not, it's our job. It's the only choice we have."
Vince Velasquez surrendered a pair of runs in the opening frame but settled down and tossed five innings in the win, allowing just the two runs on five hits. He struck out eight and secured the victory. Hector Neris encountered some trouble in the ninth, surrendering a run on a hit and a pair of walks, but collected his 27th save of the season in what essentially was a must-win game for the Phils.
Homers by Rhys Hoskins and Jose Pirela highlighted a five-run fourth inning for the Phillies. Bryce Harper finished with a pair of hits in the winning effort.
The two clubs resume their three-game set on Wednesday with Zach Eflin (8-12, 4.20) opposing Julio Teheran (10-9, 3.50).
The odds remain long, but the door isn't shut on the Phillie, at least not yet.
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