This year, we might see two teams eliminated before the calender flips to September. Seattle is dangerously close to being eliminated, and if they lose tonight and the Angels, win, they are mathematically out. The Nationals could be eliminated in a few days with an elimination number of 6. The teams that are in the top 5 lowest elimination numbers are all teams that saw their postseason hopes fly away a long time ago, like June:
    1. Seattle, Elimination Number 2
    2. Washington, Elimination Number 6
    3. Cincinnati, Elimination Number 9
    4. Pittsburgh, Elimination Number 10
    5. Tie: San Diego and Oakland, Elimination Number 13
A true sign that the pennant races are heating up, and games are about to become big is that for some teams, their games become opportunities to see young players perform, and have their current players set personal records. We are approaching that time, we are getting ready for another stomach turning, heart wrenching, plot filled September baseball hopefully leading up to October Baseball.