Phillies drop two of three to Brewers, can’t punch their own Wild Card ticket

The Philadelphia Phillies missed an opportunity to clinch an NL Wild Card spot after losing 5-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, dropping two of three in the series. Milwaukee secured its 100th victory of the season following a three-run eighth inning against reliever José Alvarado, spoiling a solid six-inning outing from Philadelphia rookie pitcher Andrew Painter.

Adding to the defeat, Phillies infielder Luis Arráez exited in the sixth inning after suffering a left ankle sprain while trying to avoid a tag at first base. The Phillies close out their regular season with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who have already secured the American League's top record.