So absent a Mets crash--not likely since they are playing Philadelphia--it comes down to staying ahead of the Cards. St. Louis is also at home, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. So this weekend I get to root hard for both my teams.
The Pirates are out of the playoff picture but they can help the Giants. Who are going all out to win these games, with no thought of rotation consequences beyond it. Except for Bumgarner, who will start Friday and will likely start the wild card game, if any.
The Giants kept their ultra-slim lead with a win against the Rockies on Thursday. They still aren't hitting, though--the 7 runs were mostly due to errors and the luck they haven't had for months. Only Johnny Cueto was impressive--after missing one start due to a groin injury, he pitched seven innings, struck out 11, gave up only two runs--and by running hard on a bunt and forcing an error, drove in two runs. On a bunt! Cueto has won 18 games, leading the team.
The Dodgers theoretically have something to play for, besides keeping the Giants out of the playoffs (not an inconsiderable goal.) Though they've won the division, the home field is still to be decided. But Washington is ahead two games so it's unlikely but it is still there.
Being this close with the last regular season series starting may help to keep this team more or less intact for next year, even if they don't make the postseason. But how they play these last three games may be very consequential, beyond this season.
