Atlanta @ Philadelphia preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2012 ) Atlanta 2, Philadelphia 6

Although the Philadelphia Phillies' streak of five consecutive National League East titles will come to an end, their 16 victories in 21 games have vaulted them back into contention for the second wild-card spot. Philadelphia sits just three games behind St. Louis - with Los Angeles and Milwaukee between those two squads. The vaunted Phillies’ pitching staff, which has battled inconsistencies and injuries in 2012, is second in the majors in ERA in September (2.70). Atlanta dropped the series opener Friday but has won five of its past seven. With a six-game advantage for the top wild-card position, the Braves appear safe from a second consecutive September collapse.

One big reason why Atlanta feels confident about its chances in October is the emergence of left-hander Mike Minor, who starts Saturday’s middle game of the weekend series. After struggling mightily with allowing homers and big innings in the first half, Minor has steadied himself during the stretch run. He has allowed just seven homers in his past 13 starts with a 2.32 ERA. Philadelphia sends ace Roy Halladay to the mound, although he has an 8.44 ERA in three starts against the Braves this season.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Mike Minor (9-10, 4.31 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Roy Halladay (10-7, 4.03).

Minor is not the same pitcher who owned a 3-6 record with a 6.14 ERA in late June. The 24-year-old has allowed just two homers in his past seven starts and held the Nationals to one run on five hits in six strong innings in his last start Sunday. Minor allowed one run on four hits with nine strikeouts in eight innings against the Phillies on July 28.

It has been a very un-Halladay-like season for the two-time Cy Young Award winner, but he has resembled his old self since the end of July. Halladay has won six of his past seven decisions. The veteran received a no-decision in his last start Sunday at Houston, allowing three runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta’s magic number to clinch the top wild-card spot is six.

2. Philadelphia has won eight in a row at Citizens Bank Park and 22 of its past 30 home games.

3. Atlanta SS Andrelton Simmons, who injured his right shoulder Monday in Miami, could return to the starting lineup as early as Saturday.