Watch out for the Diamondbacks.
Those words weren't on anyone's lips when the D-backs were two games under .500 on Aug. 24 and a longshot in the National League wild-card race.
But after a 7-5 victory over the Reds on Friday, Arizona has won four straight and 10 of 11. The D-backs are now only 2 1/2 games behind the Cubs for the second wild-card spot, after Chicago's 7-1 loss to Milwaukee on Friday.
Red-hot outfielder Ketel Marte carried the load on offense with three hits, including a three-run home run, his 31st this season.
This is getting silly...It's not even fair! Marte with a 3-run blast and the @Dbacks have the lead. pic.twitter.com/eluCH5N7i7
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) September 7, 2019
Marte now has 12 hits in 22 at-bats in September, vaulting him into third place in the NL batting race. But the race everyone is watching right now in Arizona is the battle for a wild-card spot. Again, watch out for the Diamondbacks.
Studs of the night
Twins right-hander Michael Pineda struck out 10 and gave up one run in six innings against the Indians.
Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun hit a pair of home runs and drove in four in a 7-6 win over the Orioles.
The Rays used five pitchers (Brendan McKay, Peter Fairbanks, Andrew Kittredge, Cole Sulser and Emilio Pagán) who combined for 13 strikeouts and yielded only two hits in a 5-0 win over the Blue Jays.
Dud of the night
Cubs starter Cole Hamels got rocked (3 1/3 IP, nine hits, five runs) in the loss to the Brewers.
Highlights
Manny Machado casually throws this ball sidearm, across his body, and still easily gets the runner at first.
Manny makes this throw look so easy. pic.twitter.com/vo8Pcq07Nv
— MLB (@MLB) September 7, 2019
Marlins right fielder Lewis Brinson throws a laser to third.
A perfect strike to 3rd. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/FXTnTW1NWp
— MLB (@MLB) September 7, 2019
What's Next
Indians (81-60) at Twins (87-53), 7:10 p.m. ET — Cleveland is running out of time to catch Minnesota in the AL Central. The Indians face a stiff challenge going against Jake Odorizzi, who posted a 2.86 ERA in five starts in August. Indians right-hander Aaron Civale has been a revelation in his first seven MLB starts, with a 1.94 ERA.