Rockies circled this wild weekend from the start

The Rockies’ home schedule this season is bookended by the Dodgers. A three-game series to start Coors Field’s run and another to close the regular season. Both were circled on Colorado’s clubhouse schedule.

“To begin the season, we were all like, ‘Man, that last series against the Dodgers could be really big for us,’ ” third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “We talked about it in spring training. We looked at the schedule. Starting with the Dodgers at home and ending with the Dodgers at home. We knew it would be big. It’s here now. It’s going to be fun.”

The Rockies start a threegame weekend set against the Dodgers on Friday night with a postseason berth on the line. Their magic number is two: Any combination of Rockies victories or losses by the Milwaukee Brewers adding to two will send Colorado to a wildcard playoff game Wednesday at Arizona.

The Brewers will finish their regular season in St. Louis. The Cardinals were part of the wildcard race until Thursday night, when they were eliminated by a 2-1 loss to the reigning World Series champion Cubs in 11 innings.

It will not be an easy stroll to the finish line. The Rockies will face Los Angeles left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu on Friday, then will see lefty ace Clayton Kershaw on Saturday. Rockies veteran Chad Bettis will pitch Friday, followed by rookie German Marquez on Saturday.

Sunday’s pitching matchups haven’t been finalized. The Rockies hope to avoid a mustwin situation. Tickets are still available. The postseason awaits.

“If this doesn’t get you excited, then what will get you excited?” said right fielder Carlos Gonzalez.