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New York Mets move up NL East power rankings

By Kenneth Teape

May 6, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce (19) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce (19) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Mets move up NL East power rankings
May 7, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) is mobbed by teammates after his walk-off sacrifice fly during the tenth inning defeated the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Nationals, 6-5 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

2. team. 6. . 13-17. Previous: . Philadelphia Phillies

It was not too long ago that the Phillies were over .500. On April 27th they went two games above .500 and were riding a six-game winning streak. Flash forward to now the Phillies have come tumbling back down to Earth.

The Phillies were swept at the hands of the Dodgers to finish last week. This week did not go much better. Philadelphia faced the Chicago Cubs to begin the week and finished by hosting the Nationals. That is three straight series against the three best teams in the NL. Anyone would struggle with that gauntlet, so we will cut the Phillies some slack and leave them in the No.2 spot.

The Phillies got to Brett Anderson early and often to take Game 1 against the Cubs. They lost 5-4 in both Game 3 and 4, playing the Cubs very tough in Wrigley Field. The Phillies battled against the Nationals as well, losing the first two games before taking the series finale in extra innings.

Had the Phillies won one of those extra-inning games their week would look much better. The hung tough despite facing more talented teams, which is all you can ask for when you are overmatched. Jeremy Hellickson struggled in his two starts, as he saw his ERA jump from 1.80 to 3.49.

Cesar Hernandez continues to hit atop the order, going 12-for-33 on the week with six runs scored. He has been good as the leadoff man for the Phillies, who are still waiting for Howie Kendrick to return off the disabled list.

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