Colorado Rockies: Postseason picture with 14 games to play

The Colorado Rockies took care of business on Friday night at Coors Field, posting a 6-1 victory over the San Diego Padres as the two teams opened a critical weekend series. While all Rockies fans were keeping an eye on the action in downtown Denver, they were also keeping a close watch on what was happening at Wrigley Field and Miller Park.

It’s the final stretch for the postseason and the Rockies continue to maintain their lead for the second National League Wild Card spot. Now sitting at 81-67, the Rockies grabbed their sixth straight victory against the Padres on Friday night. That is tied for the longest winning streak against San Diego in franchise history. The Rockies will look to extend that skein when Tyler Anderson returns to the Colorado rotation to face former Rockies pitcher and now San Diego starter Jordan Lyles on Saturday night.

Colorado seems to be heating up at the right time, going 7-2 over the last nine games. Not only did the win give them a 30-18 mark in series openers this season, but it also handed Colorado its 81st win of the season. That clinches the seventh .500-or-better season in franchise history and the club’s first since 2010.

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So the Rockies won last night, giving themselves a 79 percent chance to make the postseason according to MLB.com and an 84.3 percent chance according to FanGraphs. How did the other two teams chasing the Rockies for the second Wild Card spot fare and where do they stand in terms of the odds? Let’s take a look.

Milwaukee Brewers (78-69, 2.5 games behind Colorado)

Friday result: Defeated Miami, 10-2

Odds for postseason: 11 percent (MLB.com) and 7.4 percent (FanGraphs)

Quick thoughts: In a game moved to Milwaukee because of south Florida’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma, the Brewers (playing as the visiting team) scored eight runs in the eighth inning to break a 2-2 tie and take the win.

Elimination number: 13

St. Louis Cardinals (77-70, 3.5 games behind Colorado)

Friday result: Lost to Chicago Cubs, 8-2

Odds for postseason: 21 percent (MLB.com) and 6.1 percent (FanGraphs)

Next: Which players could re-sign with Colorado next season?

Quick thoughts: Against their arch-rivals in the Windy City, St. Louis succumbed to the defending World Champions thanks in part to a seven-run sixth inning pieced together by the Cubs. The result not only hurt the Cardinals in the Wild Card standings but also in the chase for the National League Central as they fell four games behind the Cubs.

Elimination number: 12