Somehow, the Braves still control their destiny in the NL Wild Card race. Despite losing last night, the Braves hold a one-game lead on St. Louis, which lost to Houston.
Luckily, the Braves have their ace Derek Lowe on the mound tonight, and — wait, what's that? Oh, Derek Lowe is having a terrible season, and his 4.92 ERA is as high as it's been since 2004. Well, that's not good. Lowe has given up 18 earned runs in 19.2 innings pitched so far in September. Silver lining: He gave up just three runs in six innings in his last start.
Lowe will go against Roy Oswalt, who at 8-10 on the year with a 3.86 ERA this season, is perhaps the most beatable of the Phillies' 53 aces.
With two games to play, Atlanta's magic number is two, meaning the Braves can clinch tonight with a win and a Cardinals loss. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they are facing the 100-win Phillies while the St. Louis faces the 100-loss Astros.
Pitchers
Braves: Derek Lowe (9-16, 4.22 ERA)
Phillies: Roy Oswalt (8-10, 3.86 ERA)
Game time: Tuesday, 7:10 p.m.
TV
Philadelphia: CSN
Atlanta: SPSO
Radio
Philadelphia: WPHT 1210, WUBA 1480
Atlanta: 680 AM/93.7 FM, WNNX 100.5