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The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks were expected to be battling neck-and-neck for the National League West crown heading into September. Instead, the Los Angeles Dodgers have widened the gap with consistency, while the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves scrambling to remain in the wild-card picture. Friday night’s series opener at Dodger Stadium begins a three-game set that still carries playoff implications, even if the rivalry has lost some of the division-race edge it once promised. The Dodgers enter with the best rotation health they’ve had all season, riding a four-game winning streak, while the Diamondbacks arrive having won six of their last nine and showing life despite being labeled as sellers at the trade deadline. When Arizona moved on

The San Francisco Giants enter Friday’s interleague showdown against the Baltimore Orioles with momentum firmly on their side, powered by a trio of hitters who have quickly become the backbone of their offense. Former American League stars Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman have not only stabilized San Francisco’s lineup but helped launch a five-game winning streak that has altered the club’s outlook heading into the stretch run. The visiting Orioles, meanwhile, stagger into Oracle Park on the heels of a disastrous 1-7 homestand that saw their postseason hopes dim further. They arrive in the Bay Area looking for a reset, but the task is far from easy as they square off against one of the National League’s hottest

The Cleveland Guardians enter a critical three-game series against the Seattle Mariners Friday night at Progressive Field with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Seattle holds the final AL Wild Card spot, sitting five games ahead of Cleveland. Friday’s opener features Logan Allen (7-10, 4.35 ERA) against George Kirby (8-6, 4.05 ERA) in a matchup that could set the tone for both clubs’ September push. For recent performances and streaks, check the latest MLB game results. Their young lineup provides run support and Allen rebounds from his rough outing. The lefty was shelled for nine runs in Texas last Saturday, but historically he’s fared well against Seattle (2-0, 2.13 ERA in two career starts). Kyle Manzardo and Nolan Jones

The New York Mets turn to top prospect Jonah Tong on Friday night when they host the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Tong, the Mets’ No. 4 prospect, makes his long-awaited MLB debut against Miami right-hander Eury Perez in the second game of a four-game set. The Mets (70-65) had their three-game win streak snapped Thursday after three errors fueled a 7-4 Marlins win. Miami (60-75) has struggled most of the year but looks to build momentum behind Perez, who has rediscovered his form since returning from Tommy John surgery. For team trends and past series results, check out the MLB game results. Jonah Tong delivers on the hype. The 22-year-old dominated in the minors this season, going 10-5 with