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Phillies’ brutal losing streak hits mark not seen this century
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- Phillies’ brutal losing streak hits mark not seen this century
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The Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday extended their skid to 10 consecutive games . It's the franchise's longest losing streak since an 11-game slide in September 1999 and only the fifth time since 1972 that the club has dropped at least 10 straight.
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Through 26 games, Philadelphia sits at 8-18, its worst start since 2002. The team is also 10.5 games behind first place in the NL East, its largest deficit at this stage of a season since 1997. A team built on a $300M payroll with World Series expectations currently sits with a league-worst minus-53 run differential.
Friday's loss followed a familiar pattern. The Phillies led 3-2 entering the sixth inning after home runs from Trea Turner and Bryce Harper , but the game unraveled late. Rookie pitcher Andrew Painter , who had thrown 81 pitches through five innings, allowed Atlanta to capitalize with two outs in the sixth. A bases-clearing double by Michael Harris II , hit at 104.8 mph with an expected batting average of .890, flipped the score. A wild pitch later allowed another run, turning a one-run lead into a 5-3 deficit.
With relievers warming, Manager Rob Thomson chose not to make a change and kept Painter on the mound, a call that backfired. The Braves, who entered the game leading MLB in runs, wins, and run differential, made the most of the opportunity.
Offensively, Philadelphia's issues remain consistent. The team has scored three or fewer runs in 15 games and holds a 2-13 record in those contests. They are also 2-17 when trailing after six innings. With the bases loaded this season, the Phillies have just four hits in 18 at-bats and eight strikeouts.
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Even individual positives have not translated into wins. Turner, batting .225 entering Friday, homered and reached base twice, while Harper continues strong road production with a .981 OPS away from home. Still, Philadelphia managed just three runs despite generating solid contact.
The urgency now shifts to Zack Wheeler , who is set to make his 2026 debut Saturday. The three-time All-Star has not pitched since last August following shoulder surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. His return comes in the midst of a season spiral, with the Phillies searching for any sign of reversal during a stretch not seen this century.
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