Nine games left! What a season it has been, and we’re still in for a critical finish. The Dodgers currently have the second-best record in the league at 98-55, but some fans are still content without that division crown.

This is crazy because most of the other teams would love to be in the Dodgers position. However, that division crown is still attainable. The Dodgers took two out of three from the Rockies at Coors Field, with the rubber match being a late-inning 7-5 comeback win.

Now, the Dodgers will visit the Diamondbacks, who are tied with the Orioles for the worst record in baseball at 49-104. The Dodgers should be able to take care of business in Arizona. A sweep would be ideal, but it is the MLB, so anything can happen.

Meanwhile, the Giants will visit Colorado for a three-game series against the Rockies.

The Dodgers last nine meetings of the season will be on the road against Arizona, and home against the Padres and Brewers.

The Giants visit Colorado and host Arizona and the Padres in their remaining three series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also alluded that Max Scherzer will most likely pitch in a potential Game 163 or Wildcard Game. Since acquiring Scherzer at the trade deadline, the Dodgers are 10-0 in his starts.

The rotation is set for the weekend. The Dodgers will hand the ball to Tony Gonsolin in the opener, followed by Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urias.

If you did not see the Dodgers’ recent post on social media you missed out on some fun photos. The whole team dressed up in costumes including the starting rotation posing as a biker gang.

The Diamondbacks will counter sending right-handers Humberto Castellanos, Zac Gallen, and Humberto Mejia.

I personally expect a sweep, but there could be that one trap game. As hot as the Giants have been all season I still find it hard to believe that the Dodgers are still only one game back despite everything that has gone on this season.

As far as potential Wild Card, it looks as it will be the St. Louis Cardinals—what a run they had late this season to itch themselves in the postseason. They are currently on a 12-game winning streak and pose quite the threat if the Dodgers were to meet them in the Wild card game.

For those of you who will be scoreboard watching, the Giants will send old friend Alex Wood to the mound against the Rockies. Wood is 10-4 with a 3.99 ERA. The Rockies will counter with Peter Lambert, who is making first start since 2019 due to Tommy John surgery; he has a career ERA of .7.25

The Diamondbacks seemingly do not have anything to play for except the first overall pick in which they are tied with the Orioles, although just the motivation of causing their division rivals a division crown could be enough.

The first pitch for the opener is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Pacific.