Braves begin most important series of season on Tuesday

This is what the season has built toward.

The Braves host the Phillies for a three-game series beginning Tuesday that will determine the National League East winner. The Braves, vying for their fourth consecutive division title, enter the day 2-1/2 games ahead of the Phillies, who are aiming for their first postseason berth since 2011. | Braves magic number

Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.53) will start the series opener for the Braves against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.79).

Left-hander Max Fried (13-7, 3.12), who pitched his second career shutout over the weekend, will oppose right-hander Aaron Nola (9-8, 4.64) in the second game. The finale will feature Braves youngster Ian Anderson (8-5, 3.60) versus veteran righty Kyle Gibson (10-8, 3.51), who joined the Phillies at the trade deadline.

The only path for the Braves clinching the NL East against the Phillies is through sweeping the series. Even if the Braves take two of three, the Phillies would be mathematically alive and the Braves would try to clinch during their finale series this weekend against the Mets. The Braves could potentially have to play a makeup game against the Rockies on Oct. 4 if necessary (if the division is separated by a half-game).