What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The San Francisco Giants are making a significant late-season push in the National League wild-card race. With a record of 71-69, the Giants have won 10 of their last 11 games, bolstered by a power surge that has seen them hit at least one home run in 17 consecutive games, totaling 36 homers during this period. Giants third baseman Matt Chapman has been instrumental in this turnaround, contributing two homers in a recent victory against the Colorado Rockies. Despite appealing a one-game suspension, Chapman may not be available for the upcoming game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Giants will start Carson Seymour, who has struggled this season, losing nine of his 11 appearances. Meanwhile, the Cardinals, with a record of 70-71, have won five of their last seven games and are 5 1/2 games out of the final NL wild-card spot. They will start Michael McGreevy, who is coming off a strong performance against the Cincinnati Reds.
Why It's Important?
The late-season performance of both the Giants and the Cardinals is crucial as they vie for a spot in the playoffs. The Giants' recent success has brought them within four games of the final wild-card slot, making each game critical in their pursuit of postseason play. For the Cardinals, maintaining their winning momentum is essential to closing the gap in the wild-card race. The outcome of this series could significantly impact the playoff landscape in the National League, affecting team strategies and player performances. Both teams are under pressure to perform, with potential implications for team management decisions and player contracts.
What's Next?
The series between the Giants and Cardinals will be pivotal in determining their playoff chances. The Giants need to continue their winning streak to stay competitive in the wild-card race, while the Cardinals must capitalize on their recent form to close the gap. The performance of key players like Matt Chapman and Michael McGreevy will be closely watched, as their contributions could be decisive. Additionally, the potential return of Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo from the concussion list could bolster their lineup. The series outcome will likely influence team strategies and player utilization in the remaining games of the season.
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