How Tie-breakers Impact D-backs NL Wild Card chances

Every game is critical, but D-backs must win today to stay in a Wild Card position

The Diamondbacks conclude their season series against the Cubs today attempting a three game sweep that would put them above Chicago in the Wild Card hunt.  First pitch is at 4:10 P.M. and the game is being broadcast on ESPN. Last night's game was a 13 inning thriller, with the D-backs winning in a walk off 7-6

Below is what the standings look like entering today.  Due to the head to head tie-breaker, the D-backs must finish with at least one more win than the Reds, as Cincinnati won the season series against Arizona 4-3.  That's why they are showing above the D-backs in the table. 

The Marlins and Giants also hold the tie breaker over Arizona, but the D-backs and Giants face off for two games next week. If they sweep both games from San Francisco then they not only would knock the Giants further back in the standings to begin with but also win the season series 6-5. That could come into play if the Giants should make a late run following those games. 

The D-backs have clinched the tie breaker against the Cubs however and a win would push them a half game ahead of Chicago. Should the Reds also win today they would remain ahead of the Dbacks and be in the 2nd spot while the D-backs would be in the 3rd spot. A D-backs win and Reds loss would put the D-backs in 2nd and the Cubs in 3rd. For a day at least. 

The Phillies are in firm control of the top Wild Card spot and barring a sudden collapse will likely host a three game wild card series against the number two seed. The number three seed will play the winner of the NL Central, which will most likely be the Brewers at this point as they hold a 6.5 game lead over the Cubs and 7.0 over the Reds. So as of today a number two seed would send the D-backs to Philadelphia for three, and the number three seed puts them in Milwaukee. 

Each and every day is critical from here on out.  As Torey Lovullo keeps saying, he believes it will come down to the final game of the season.  That very well may be. But seizing the opportunity in head to head matchups is the clearest path forward for the D-backs at the moment.

Check back with us later today a full game preview as we'll take a deeper look at the roster moves, pitching matchup, lineups, and perhaps most importantly, bullpen availability for today.