Game 162: What has to happen for the Diamondbacks to make the postseason
SAN DIEGO — Another season, another nail-biting push to the end for a shot at October baseball, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are taking that push to the final game of the year — and their result won’t be the only one that matters. Sep 26, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Tim Tawa (13) celebrates after scoring a run during the third inning against the San Diego…
The Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves in a crucial situation as they push toward the postseason. With their game against the San Diego Padres looms, the D-Backs must secure a victory to avoid being eliminated from the October baseball chase. Going into Saturday's matchup, the Diamondbacks were just one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League wild-card spot.
However, the D-Backs' efforts were short-lived, as they lost 10-7 to San Diego. The loss not only maintained their one-game deficit with Philadelphia but also denied them the crucial home-field advantage.
To make the postseason, the Diamondbacks need to win their final game against San Diego, which would allow them to clinch the wild-card spot. However, there's more at stake than just the final game. The Padres have clinched home-field advantage, which could affect the importance of their final game. In addition, the Diamondbacks also rely on the Tampa Bay Rays to sweep the Philadelphia Phillies.
With the Rays already clinched for a postseason berth, their success in Philadelphia could provide the extra help Arizona needs to secure their spot in the playoffs. As Game 162 approaches, it's win or go home for the Diamondbacks in their quest for postseason baseball.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
