Phils’ playoff chances dealt a blow by Braves

The Phillies knew they needed to sweep the Braves this week to keep their faint postseason hopes alive. They will not sweep the Braves at SunTrust Park, however, following Thursday night’s 8-3 loss. The first-place Braves have a 6 1/2-game lead over the Phillies in the National League East. Even if the Phillies win nine of their remaining 10 games, they would need the Braves to finish no better than 2-7 just to force a tie. The Braves’ magic number for clinching the division is four.