By CRAIG POTTER
Rochester still needs to win its final two games, but …
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Rattlers saw their hopes of making the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) playoffs improve with the results of games played Thursday night.
The Rattlers are tied with the New York Lizards for the fourth and final playoff spot with 6-6 records. However, the Lizards hold the tie-breaker as they beat the Rattlers, 13-12, in their only meeting this season.
The Denver Outlaws (9-4) beat the Chesapeake Bayhawks (6-7) to knock Chesapeake out of the tie for fourth place. The Bayhawks also hold the tie-breaker over the Rattlers as the two teams split, but the Bayhawks hold the goal differential +9.
On Saturday while the Rattlers travel to Atlanta to take on the Blaze (6-7), the Lizards travel to Columbus to face the Ohio Machine (8-4).
A Rochester victory, coupled with a New York loss, will put the Rattlers in control of their own destiny for the regular season finale on Aug. 5 when the Machine comes to Capelli Sport Stadium to play the Rattlers. Rochester beat Ohio in the previous meeting, 12-11, in overtime on May 6 in Columbus.
Denver already has secured a playoff berth. An Ohio win over New York Saturday will clinch a playoff spot for the Machine. The Florida Launch (7-6) hold third place. Florida closes out the regular season Saturday at the Boston Cannons (3-9).
The Launch also hold the tie-breaker over the Rattlers as Florida won both games this season, 12-10 and 9-8 (OT).