Baseball’s regular season is in its final week. On Sunday the Phillies began to look as if they were in the drivers seat, while the Mets had a slight setback and the Brewers decided they’re not ready for the fat lady to sing.

Recap of Sunday’s Action:

The Brewers avoided a sweep to the Reds on Sunday punishing Bronson Arroyo. Seth McClung and five relief pitchers held Cincinnati to 1 run on 5 hits. Prince Fielder led the charge for the Brew Crew going 2 for 4 with a home run, double, and 3 RBI’s.

The Mets entered the bottom of the eighth inning yesterday with a 4-3 lead. By innings end (4 runs and pitchers later), the Braves found themselves on top 7-4. Carlos Delgado tried to rally the Mets in the ninth with a two-run home run, but it wasn’t enough as the Braves took two of three from the Mets, winning 7-6. The bullpen spoiled another strong outing by Mike Pelfrey who went six innings, allowing six hits and three runs.

The Phillies survived another late inning scare as they beat the Marlins 5-2. Jamie Moyer went six innings, allowing one run, and picking up his 15th win of the season. Chase Utley lead the way for the Phillies with a two-run home run in the third inning, and Pedro Feliz hit is own two-run shot in the eighth, giving the Phillies some breathing room.

After yesterday’s action, the Phillies lead the NL East by a one-and-a-half games over the Mets, and a three game lead over the Brewers.

Magic Numbers:

Phillies – 4 Playoffs, 6 Division
Mets – 6 Playoffs, 9 Division
Brewers – 9 Playoffs

Monday’s Preview:

Cubs @ Mets – The Mets are set the enter their final home stand at Shea Stadium and it’s not going to be easy.  The Cubs are in town, looking to add to their league-leading 94 wins. They enter play one win short of guaranteeing them home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Rookie Jon Niese will look to keep the Cubs bats at bat tonight. Niese (1-0, 4.07), will be making his third career start. He’s coming off an outing (Septmber 13th against Atlanta), where he pitched eight shutout innings, picking up his first major league win.

Jason Marquis will take the mound for the Cubs. Marquis, a native New Yorker, will in search of his 11th win of the season. Marquis is coming off a loss against the Brewers, where he allowed three runs in seven innings.

Braves@ Phillies – As the Phillies enter their final home stand of the year, they will be facing a Braves team they’ve had a lot of success against. The Phillies are 13-2 against the Braves this season, and recently finished up a season sweep at Turner Field (9-0).

The Phillies will send rookie J.A. Happ to the mound. Happ’s last start was on September 17th against the Phillies where he pitched six shutout innings, in route to his first major league win. Happ benefitted from the left-handed heavy lineup, and the fact the Braves have never seen him. Happ will not have that surprise factor this evening.

Jair Jurrjens starts for the Braves. Jurrjens is 1-2 with a 3.60 against the Phillies. His last outing was September 17th (where he faced J.A. Happ). He struggled with control, allowing four runs on five hits, while walking four, in only five innings. Jurrjens has been the Braves best pitcher this season, so expect him to put his last outing behind him and not lay down for the Phillies.

The Brewers are off on Monday. They travel home for a three-game series with the Pirates on Tuesday.