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 Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
Going into Saturday’s matchup against the San Diego Padres, the Diamondbacks were one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League wild-card spot. With the Phillies continuing their offensive struggles and down early against the Tampa Bay Rays, for a moment, Arizona was half a game behind Philadelphia.
However, that didn’t last very long.
The D-Backs and Padres went back and forth throughout the game, with each team answering whenever the other took the lead. Arizona went with a bullpen game after Corbin Burnes was ruled out with an injury, and for a while, the strategy seemed to work.
That was until the fourth inning.
Sep 26, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) scores a run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
With the Snakes holding a 4-3 lead, San Diego’s Manny Machado hit a three-run home run to give the Padres a 6-4 advantage, and they didn’t look back. The Diamondbacks would tack on runs in the ninth inning against Padres closer Mason Miller, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, losing 10-7, and it wasn’t enough for Arizona to cut into its one-game deficit against Philadelphia.
And now, it all comes down to Game 162. What exactly needs to happen for the Diamondbacks to play postseason baseball?
First, the D-Backs have no room left for error. They need to take the final game of the series against the Padres. San Diego’s Saturday victory helped it clinch home-field advantage, meaning its final game might not carry the same importance as it does for Arizona.
But winning alone won’t be enough.
Sep 26, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
The Snakes also need the Rays to sweep the Phillies. Tampa Bay doesn’t have much left to play for with its postseason berth already clinched, but Arizona needs the Rays to take care of business in Philadelphia.
Anything other than those two results — whether a D-Backs loss or a Phillies win — keeps Arizona out of the postseason altogether.
Game 162 playoff scenarios:
PHI in with win or AZ loss
AZ in with win and PHI loss
HOU in with win or TEX loss
TEX in with win and HOU loss pic.twitter.com/LvybMMUM3h— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 27, 2026
There is nothing left for the Snakes to do but take care of business in San Diego and hope for some help from Tampa Bay. After 161 games, their postseason fate comes down to one final game — and a result in Philadelphia.
Game 162 is here, and for Arizona, it’s win or go home.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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