Time is running out on the search for a Beat the Streak grand-prize winner, but one player is making a serious charge.

Steven Rapp, a 31-year-old Atlanta resident, has grown his streak to 46 games as he tries to top Joe DiMaggio’s legendary 56-game hit streak and win the $5.6 million Beat the Streak grand prize. That would make him the first player in 19 seasons of BTS to capture that humongous purse, and with just a month left in the season, Rapp might be one of Joltin’ Joe’s last big challengers of 2019.

Rapp picked Rockies All-Star outfielder Charlie Blackmon on Thursday -- playing at home at Coors Field, where he has been a force all season -- and Blackmon delivered a 2-for-5 game against the Pirates to extend Rapp's streak to 46.

"I had a feeling on Blackmon that day," Rapp said, "and I liked that the Pirates had to make the trip out to Colorado."

Rapp did not make a pick for Friday's games, which means his streak stays alive at 46 until he makes another selection.

Passing DiMaggio has been a tall task for MLB players and Beat the Streak participants alike. Contest players simply pick an MLB hitter that they feel has the best chance of getting a hit that day, and if they string together 57 straight successful picks, they claim the grand prize. But no one has notched 57 successful picks in a row. Over the first 18 seasons of BTS, many have come close, including the all-time leaders, Robert Mosley and Roberto Aguirre-Hunn Jr., who both topped out at 51.

Many of Rapp’s closest competitors were wiped out on Tuesday, when a combined 0-for-6 night by Nationals stars Adam Eaton and Anthony Rendon spoiled 11 different streaks ranging from 34 to 44 games. Washington’s duo represented a juicy matchup against the last-place Orioles’ pitching staff, but Rapp kept his streak alive by taking a night off (players must simply pick correctly 57 straight times before the season ends; it does not have to be on consecutive days).

“I just wasn’t feeling it,” Rapp said of his decision. “I considered Rendon, and he went hitless and knocked out most of the guys behind me. No rhyme or reason to it, just didn’t feel it.”

Rapp has played for a handful of years now, but this is his longest streak. He told MLB.com that he picks mostly by feel. However Rapp does it, he’s been very successful: After Thursday's successful selection, he has hit on 59 of his 62 total picks, including “Double Down” selections.

Rapp said this isn’t the first time he’s flirted with perfection. But this time, he’s looking to finish the job.

“I threw three perfect innings in a Little League All-Star Game,” said Rapp. “Then, I hit the next batter and got pulled.”

Forty-six down, 11 to go; history is within reach for Rapp. Even if he falls short, Rapp could still claim the $10,000 consolation prize given to the longest streak of the season -- if he passes Aguirre-Hunn’s total of 51.

“To be honest, I have no clue what I would do with the money,” Rapp said. It might be time to start dreaming pretty soon.