One way or another they can only win the divison by exceeding expectations. That could have been going 6-1 or 7-0 on this homestand, and/or sweeping the Mets instead of going 2-1. Now it probably means needing to go 4-2 on the road at minimum, and possibly 5-1.
But they are hanging in there. The Braves series is both meaningful and can still end with the Phillies in first place, both two important goals that seemed elusive several times over these the final weeks.
It just hurts because they actually did come close to taking control. Now even if they sweep the Braves they'll probably need at least one game of help (and no margin for error against Miami either).
