Cards climb rankings in pursuit of playoffs

With most of the division races decided, or on the cusp of being so, all that is left is the matter of a couple of Wild Card races, and determining who will grab home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the postseason.

The Cubs clinched home-field advantage awhile back and should surpass the 100-win mark soon. But the other series, presumably pitting the Nationals against the Dodgers, is still up in the air in terms of where it will begin. Through Sunday, the Nationals had a one-game edge in the win column over Los Angeles, but with a week to play — the Dodgers play in San Diego and San Francisco; the Nationals are home against the D-backs and Marlins — things can change quickly.

Power Rankings

Biggest jump: The Cardinals improved from 14 to 11, if only for the fact that they’ve hung in the National League Wild Card race despite plenty of ups and downs, especially in September. They also have a decent chance to make a move as that race winds down this week with a four-game set against the Reds opening Monday in St. Louis.

Biggest drop: The Mariners dropped three spots, from 11 to 14, and are barely hanging in the American League Wild Card race. They missed opportunities to gain ground in the last week-plus, dropping series to the Astros and Blue Jays, two teams also vying for Wild Card berths. Seattle plays three in Houston before ending the season at home against the A’s. The Mariners are 2 1/2 …

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