# D-backs-Padres clash decides NL Wild Card fate

> Diamondbacks' momentum could end Padres' playoff hopes as NL Wild Card race tightens
- Title: D-backs-Padres clash decides NL Wild Card fate · Mlb
- Summary: Diamondbacks' momentum could end Padres' playoff hopes as NL Wild Card race tightens Diamondbacks need Phillies to lose two games to stay in Wild Card race
- Keywords: d-backs, padres, nfl, mlb, wild card, petco park, phillies, rays, tommy john surgery, buehler, mize, padres rotation
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/d-backs-padres-meet-with-major-postseason-implications
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: d-backs, padres, nfl, mlb, wild card, petco park, phillies, rays, tommy john surgery, buehler, mize, padres rotation
## Early season split
Padres and Diamondbacks split four games in San Diego and four in Arizona between April and August.
## Manager's insight
Padres manager Craig Stammen noted they've played evenly all year, with a potential playoff decider coming soon.

> We've played these guys pretty even all year. We'll see them again later in the year in a three-game series. Could be the decider of it all.
## Wild Card stakes
Diamondbacks trail Phillies by two games for the final NL Wild Card spot with a chance to stay in the race.
## Diamondbacks' form
Diamondbacks won five straight games including a sweep of the Rockies at Coors Field with strong clubhouse momentum.

> Winning is fun. That's the main thing. When you win, you have fun.
## Padres' home advantage
Padres have a strong home record at Petco Park and aim to secure Wild Card Series home-field advantage.
## Pitching lineup
Diamondbacks' rotation includes Brandon Pfaadt, Corbin Burnes, and Michael Soroka with a focus on short starts due to recent bullpen strategy.
## Padres' pitching
Padres' rotation features Walker Buehler and Casey Mize with Buehler potentially starting the third game of a Wild Card Series.
## Key takeaway

Diamondbacks need Phillies to lose two games to stay in Wild Card race