It is one of the most endearing things about baseball.

They play 162 games. Not once a week like the NFL. Not every couple of days like the NBA and NHL.

Baseball is a marathon, a daily ritual that starts in the late winter sunshine in Florida.

Today it will end in briliant sunshine in South Philly. Maybe.

Not content with their newfound perch atop the National Lague East, the Phils promptly tossed away their spot as leaders of the pack.

So now it comes down to a one-day season. The Mets spent Saturday hammering the Marlins , while Adam Eaton set the tone for a surprisingly meek effort from the Phils in falling to the Nationals.

Jamie Moyer takes the mound today. You could say it's a must-win situation, but technically that's not true.

Certainly it wold help if the Phils won. That wold guarantee at least a tie for the N.L. East and a possible one-game playoff tomorrow if the Mets win. The same thing would happen if both teams lose.

If the Phils win and the Mets lose, we win the East. And the reverse? Let's not even go there.

This is all about winning the division now. At least that's the simple route. The Padres continue to lead the wild-card chase by a game. Beyond that the possibilities are almost endless.

After 161 games, it comes down to one game this afternoon. The Mets will be playing at the same time.

By late afternoon, we'll know.

It is the beauty of baseball.

And then we can get ready for the Eagles game tonight against the Giants.