NL East division will be decided this weekend

MLB's NL East race enters a pivotal stretch this weekend as the division-leading Atlanta Braves head into Philadelphia with a chance to stretch their lead to a commanding eight games. However, if things go poorly for Atlanta, that lead could vanish entirely when the Braves take on the Phillies in a four-game series that kicks off tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

The Braves, sitting at 83-57, hold a four-game edge atop the division over a surging Phillies squad that has won six of its last seven games and 15 of its last 18. A sweep by Philadelphia would pull the two teams level at the top of the NL East heading into the season's final stretch.