Gardner: Phillies Are Winning Close Games

Before the start of MLB action on Thursday, the Phillies hold a half game lead in the National League East with a 64-50 record this season as the team gets ready to start a series with the Padres in San Diego starting Friday night. The Phillies have won 11 of 19 games since the All-Star Break and the offense has picked up scoring 4.58 Runs per game. In 2018, the Pitching Staff has the third best ERA in the National League (3.75) and seventh lowest Batting Average Allowed (.241).

USA Today Baseball Writer Steve Gardner joined Rich Quinones on Thursday with his perspective on the Phillies as the team continues their chase to reach the postseason:

"The culture and the way the Phillies have gelled this season - Jake Arietta and Tommy Hunter have turned all the victories into disco parties after the games....I think that the fans should embrace that as well because the Phillies players certainly are and that shows up on the field. This is a team that’s not blowing anybody out - Most of their wins are close ones and you could see that in the Run Differential too...but it’s a team that if you put a lot of stock into that (they know) how to win. They’re winning the close ones and that’s a good sign if you’re a Phillies' fan or a member of the team."

Checkout what Gardner had to say about the NL East, Boston Red Sox, Oakland A's, Justin Verlander, and more