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WASHINGTON -- Sure, the Washington Nationals would love to lock up home-field advantage in the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. What Dusty Baker is more concerned about is getting ready for the playoffs, and that includes having pitcher Joe Ross ready to go, whether thats as a starter or reliever.Working his way back from the disabled list, Ross stretched himself out to 90 pitches, although that only carried him through four innings on a dreary Thursday in a near-empty stadium, and the NL East champion Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3, helped by Wilmer Difos first major league homer and Pedro Severinos second.If it was up to me, I would have kept pitching. Same with last game, I would have kept going, said Ross, who allowed one run and three hits in his third appearance since coming off the DL. But obviously we have to make a steady progression to build me up for the playoffs, hopefully. So I guess thats where were at. I just prolonged each at-bat more than I would have liked, which led to the early exit.His manager, Baker, sounded a more positive note.Ross was good, Baker said. Very good.Its not yet clear what role Ross will have in the postseason. He could start Game 3 or Game 4 against the Dodgers. Or he could be used only in relief. Baker mentioned the possibility that the righty could be needed in long relief in Game 1 or Game 2 against the NL West champions.Were just kind of playing it by ear, Baker said.Ross said pitching in Thursdays occasional rain didnt make things easy. Nor did the games opening at-bat, in which he was forced to throw 12 pitches before eventually walking Jean Segura.With a long layoff until the Oct. 7 series opener against LA, Ross will throw bullpen sessions and wait to find out his what his job will be.Im hoping I get the opportunity to start, Ross said, but thats up to (the Nationals), obviously.Second baseman Difo and catcher Severino, both rookies, were in the lineup Thursday instead of Daniel Murphy (last started 12 days ago) and Wilson Ramos (out for the season), respectively.Last in the NL West, Arizona has nothing at stake the rest of the way. The Nationals, meanwhile, cut their magic number for earning the higher seeding against Los Angeles to two.Reliever Reynaldo Lopez (5-3) was credited with the win. He pitched 3 2/3 innings, letting up Socrates Britos two-run homer in the ninth before being lifted.Mark Melancon got the last two outs for his 45th save.Robbie Ray (8-15) allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings, including solo shots by Severino in the third and Difo in the fifth, along with Michael A. Taylors two-run single in the fourth.TRAINERS ROOMDiamondbacks: Segura left in the seventh because of cramps. ... RF Yasmany Tomas was a late scratch from the starting lineup because of a stiff neck he got from sleeping awkwardly on a hotel pillow.Nationals: 2B Murphy (glute muscle) and RF Bryce Harper (left thumb) sat out again. Manager Dusty Baker said he expects to get Murphy back in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS. Murphy last began a game on Sept. 17. Harper, meanwhile, was out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive day, but mainly as a precaution.UP NEXTDiamondbacks: Open a three-game series against visiting San Diego. The Diamondbacks and Padres are two of the four worst teams in the NL.Nationals: Their final regular-season series begins Friday against visiting Miami. RHP A.J. Cole (1-2, 5.09) is slated to pitch for Washington, but he is waiting to hear the outcome of his appeal of a five-game suspension for throwing at a batter. Fredrik Sjostrom Jersey . The nimble-footed quarterback got his wish, dashing through the snow and a weary defence all the way into the NCAA record book. Phil Kessel Jersey . Two pressure cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the April 15 race in an area packed with fans cheering the passing runners. Three people were killed and more than 260 injured, including at least 16 who lost limbs. https://www.cheapcoyotes.com/308z-daniel-briere-jersey-coyotes.html . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. Ray Whitney Jersey . The defence is doing its part, too. Drew Brees threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and the guys on the other side made sure that was enough, sending the Saints to a 17-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night. Arizona Coyotes Pro Shop . Tuesdays surgery at Atlantas Piedmont Hospital was performed by Dr. Xavier Duralde and Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Bernot. Lewis Hamiltons championship hopes were dealt a massive blow at the Malaysian Grand Prix as his engine failed as he led the race with 16 laps to go.Hamilton had led away from pole position and into Turn 1, while teammate and championship leader Nico Rosberg was spun around at the first corner and knocked out of contention. Hamilton had moved onto the hard compound mid-way through the race and looked to be pulling out a vital lead over Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.However, with 16 laps remaining, Hamilton pulled up at Turn 1 with flames pouring from the back of his car. The world champion pulled over with his head in his hands, shouting Oh no! NO! over the radio as he did so.Hamilton had been trailinng Rosberg by eight points heading into the race, though would have opened up a healthy lead had his engine made it to the finish.dddddddddddd Rosberg had fought back to fifth by the time of the failure but had been in damage limitation mode after his start, though he will will emerge with a 23-point lead if he remains third by the chequered flag.For Mercedes, it ends their chances of wrapping up the constructors championship in Malaysia, as they needed to prevent Red Bull outscoring them by eight points. Hamiltons lead meant Ricciardo moved into the lead of a Red Bull one-two. ' ' '