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Lance McCullers
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Robbie Ray
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| Jose Altuve - 2B | Socrates Brito - RF |
| George Springer - RF | Phil Gosselin - LF |
| Carlos Correa - SS | A.J. Pollock - CF |
| Colby Rasmus - CF | Paul Goldschmidt - 1B |
| Chris Carter - 1B | Jarrod Saltalamacchia - C |
| Marwin Gonzalez - LF | Aaron Hill - 2B |
| Jed Lowrie - 3B | Jake Lamb - 3B |
| Jason Castro - C | Chris Owings - SS |
| Lance McCullers - RHP | Robbie Ray - LHP |
The final day of the season, and the Diamondbacks have their part to play - though they will have to step up their game a good deal compared to the last two days, where they have been outscored by a total of almost three touchdowns [Houston missed the extra point on one...] As we get under way here, the Angels and Rangers will be getting under way in Arlington. If the Rangers win that, they will be champions, the Astros get the second wild-card and the Angels miss out. But if the Angels win, hoo-boy...
The Astros have, at least, assured themselves that this will not be the final game of the season. But what that might be, or against whom, is yet to be determined. If the Angels lose, the Astros play the Yankees in the AL wild-card game on Tuesday. If the Angels win, the road then depends on the Astros' result. If they lose to us at Chase Field, they will face the Angels tomorrow, to decide the second wild-card - a play-off game for the play-in game,if you like. If they win, it' will be against the Rangers on Monday to decide the AL West, with the loser taking the second wild-card spot and facing the Yankees the following day.
The Diamondbacks meanwhile, play for pride. Their first-round pick in 2016 is already protected, the only difference is whether they finish 17th, 18th or 19th overall. But after a couple of underwhelming performances, and with more eyes on them than usual, I'm sure the team want to head into the winter winning their last game, rather than a sweep at home. It's the final game of the season, and so we need to enjoy it. Because after this, as far as our state is concerned, there will be nothing for five months except, I suspect, an increasing tide of Cardinals' hysteria. Me, I'll be in the basement with a blanket pulled over my head, and plan to enjoy every moment of this final game!