DENVER -- Snakes alive!
By virtue of their 12-8 win over the Rockies on Thursday afternoon at Coors Field, the Diamondbacks achieved their goal of getting to San Diego for the final series of the regular season with their playoff hopes still alive.
They still have work to do, though:
State of the race
The Cubs clinched a postseason berth by beating the Marlins on Thursday, and the Diamondbacks knew when they departed Denver for San Diego that the Padres could also clinch a spot Thursday night against the Dodgers.
But, even if the Phillies beat the Brewers on Thursday night, the Diamondbacks would still not be eliminated. However, they will need to win their final three games in San Diego and hope the Phillies lose all three to the Rays.
As it currently stands, Arizona is 2 1/2 games behind the Phillies for the third and final National League Wild Card spot.
A great season for E-Rod
Signed to a four-year, $80 million contract prior to the 2024 season, Eduardo Rodriguez's first two years with the Diamondbacks were a disappointment, filled with injury and ineffectiveness.
This year, though, Rodriguez has become the pitcher Arizona thought it was getting.
The left-hander opened the spring by pitching Venezuela to the World Baseball Classic title and that momentum carried through a season in which he was selected to his first career All-Star Game.
Good signs for the offense
When the Diamondbacks lost back-to-back series against the Rangers and Marlins, the offensive struggles, particularly with runners in scoring position, were a big reason why.
A few games at Coors Field have rejuvenated the bats.
For the third straight game, the Diamondbacks scored early to set the tone for the game. Thursday, they blitzed Rockies starter Tanner Gordon for six runs before the right-hander could record an out.
Gabriel Moreno had a three-run homer in the inning and Nolan Arenado chipped in a two-run shot.