The Oakland Athletics haven't made the playoffs since 2006, while the San Francisco Giants missed out on the party last season after winning it all in 2010. Now both clubs are poised for playoff berths if they can hang on to their respective leads for the rest of the regular season.
San Francisco has a 7.5 game lead in the NL West heading into their Friday's matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Only divisional opponents remain on their schedule as they play three in Arizona over the weekend, than return to AT&T for four games against the Rockies and three against the Padres next week. After that, three games with Arizona at home, and six on the road against the Padres and Dodgers to conclude the regular season.
As for the A's, they currently own an AL Wild Card spot as the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are tied for the lead in the AL East. The Los Angeles Angels are just 3.5 games back as well. Oakland's remaining schedule is a bit tougher as they host the Orioles for three games this weekend, than head East for a 10 game road trip against the Tigers, Yankees and Rangers. They will conclude the season at home with six games against the Mariners and Rangers.
For more on the Giants, head to McCovey Chronicles. For the A's side of things, check out Athletics Nation.