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Arizona lost its last two games against the Dodgers after winning three in a row. The San Diego Padres, on the other hand, lost their last game after winning four in a row. Both teams arrive at Petco Park with different objectives. The Diamondbacks are still hoping to secure a wild-card spot, while San Diego has already clinched a playoff spot but remains behind in the NL West race and needs help from other teams. The math behind their playoff hopes is not good. Arizona is 80-79, which puts them behind the New York Mets, who are currently in third place in the National League Wild Card race. The Cincinnati Reds are close behind with an 81-78 record, which keeps the D-backs one game behind them. The Reds have important tiebreaker advantages that make them dangerous spoilers. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are in limbo. If Arizona loses two games or its opponents win two games, their impressive post-deadline surge will end. While their path is narrow, it’s still possible: They need to beat San Diego and hope that the Mets and Reds both lose their last series against Miami and Milwaukee, respectively. Diamondbacks’ Gallen carries season’s weight on his shoulders The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching rotation is under a lot of pressure right away because of those harsh mathematical facts. Zac Gallen will pitch on Friday night, and he knows that this could be his last game in a Diamondbacks uniform if the season ends early. The team’s choice to give him more time to rest after he was sick and tired backfired when their bullpen fell apart against Los Angeles on Thursday. Now, Gallen’s return to form gives Arizona real hope in this must-win situation. In the last two months, the former ace has given up more than three earned runs only once. His ERA in September was a solid 3.16. In his last game against Philadelphia, he showed vintage form by striking out nine batters in seven strong innings with perfect control.
