So many close divisions, Thursday Night Football might have some challenge tonight. MLB magic numbers are being reduced right and left as the season quickly comes to a close. The Atlanta Braves had the most successful night, beating the second-place Washington Nationals. The Oakland A's once again received help, while the St. Louis Cardinals are building a cushion in the N.L. Central. The Los Angeles Dodgers could not clinch, but they have plenty of opportunities to do so. Here are the MLB magic numbers across baseball as we hit Thursday morning.
Atlanta Braves: Magic Number 2
It looked as though the Washington Nationals were once again going to get the best of the Braves on Wednesday night. However, Dan Uggla and Justin Upton hit bombs that put the Braves on top for good in the Top of the 6th inning. With the win, the Braves reduce their magic number and their road record. They have a great chance of clinching against the Chicago Cubs over the weekend. Braves Nation can relax a bit now.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Magic Number 2
The Dodgers could have popped the playoff-clinching cherry on Wednesday, but instead, they decided to leave it for another day. They lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 9-4. However, the Dodgers will have another chance to clinch with one stroke as they play the Diamondbacks again Thursday afternoon. The D'backs' season will once again be on the line.
St. Louis Cardinals: Magic Number 9
It's in single digits! Hurray for the Cardinals. We can't say the same about the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are now two games back of the red birds and just half a game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates just lost three straight to the San Diego Padres, while the Cardinals have taken two straight against the Colorado Rockies. Both teams have been extremely streaky in the latter stages of the season. It will be interesting to see what happens in the final week of the 2013 campaign. The Cardinals wrap up with the Rockies today, while the Pirates are trying to avoid a four-game sweep against the Padres.
A look around other divisions:
Boston Red Sox: Magic Number 3 after losing to the Baltimore Orioles. The Tampa Bay Rays did not help the Sox on Wednesday as they defeated the Texas Rangers 4-3.
Oakland Athletics: Magic Number 5 after the Rays' give help. The A's lost on Wednesday, but the Rays' victory over the Rangers once again provided help shrinking their magic number.
Detroit Tigers: Magic Number 5 after the Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Indians. The Tigers could not take advantage and win on Wednesday, but the Royals handled business for Detroit.
You can click here to study the magic numbers yourself. Remember, the magic numbers are based on the second-place team's elimination number. Every victory drops the number by one and every opponents' loss drops it by one. An opponent's victory or a team's loss does not increase the magic number.
