SAN DIEGO — The Arizona Diamondbacks will need help on Game No. 162 after a 10-7 loss to the San Diego Padres on Saturday night at Petco Park snapped their six-game winning streak and left their postseason fate out of their hands, while the Philadelphia Phillies also fell 12-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The results left Arizona without losing ground, but with one fewer day on the calendar and Philadelphia still controlling the race for the National League's final Wild Card spot. If the Phillies beat the Rays on Sunday behind ace Zack Wheeler, Arizona is eliminated regardless of its result against San Diego. If Philadelphia loses, Arizona must still beat the Padres to advance, owning the tiebreaker; a loss in that scenario also ends its season.
San Diego's win Saturday secured the No. 1 Wild Card spot and a Wild Card Series matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park, leaving the Padres with nothing at stake on Sunday. The club is expected to run a bullpen game and rest regulars. Arizona will counter with Michael Soroka, who has been one of its better pitchers this season.
With the season on the line, manager Torey Lovullo plans to have all hands on deck and will go to the bullpen early and often. Even ace Eduardo Rodriguez, slated for a potential Game 1 start against Atlanta in the NL Wild Card Series should Arizona advance, will be available in relief if needed.
Arizona lost control of its own destiny more than a week ago and has faced elimination for five straight days to push the race to the final game. The push to the wire follows its chase of Philadelphia for the final NL Wild Card spot down the stretch, with Game No. 162 now set to decide whether the season continues.