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Start time for crucial Rays-Phillies finale moved to 2:30 ET

The final matchup between the visiting Rays and the home Phillies at Citizens Bank Park has been brought forward to 2:30 p.m. ET instead of the original 3:05 p.m.

slot, driven by incoming weather concerns for later in the day. This schedule adjustment aims to secure a full, uninterrupted contest for Game 162, while all gate entry times remain as previously planned.

For Philadelphia, a victory guarantees the final National League Wild Card position, whereas a defeat would force the club to rely on a Padres win over the Diamondbacks to secure postseason baseball. Should the Diamondbacks emerge victorious while the Phillies stumble, Arizona claims the sixth seed and travels to face the Braves in a three-game Wild Card Series opening Tuesday.

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