For the first time in the MLB Divisional Series era, all four series are tied at one game apiece. We’re only halfway through the round, and this postseason has been one for the record books.
Not only have there been major upsets in the wild card round, including the Detroit Tigers ending the Houston Astros’ seven-season American League Championship Series appearance streak, but the Kansas City Royals also took down the Baltimore Orioles.
In the National League, the New York Mets have been involved in countless heart-wrenching games. In Game 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers, Pete Alonso hit the home run of his life with the season on the line. Trailing 2-0 in the top of the ninth, the Mets scored four runs against All-Star closer Devin Williams, including the three-run shot by Alonso.
The heroics came only a few days after Francisco Lindor hit a game-winning two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves to clinch the Mets’ spot in the postseason.
In the NLDS, New York was on the receiving end of postseason heroics.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Mets put together the game of the postseason in Game 2 of the NLDS. The division rivals exchanged leads until the game was tied, heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Nick Castellanos punched the game-winning run home on a walk-off single.
It was a must-win moment for Philadelphia, whose postseason-ready bats had fallen flat in the previous games. Philadelphia fans booed the offense during the tough stretch.
The Royals and New York Yankees are tied 1-1 after two entertaining games. Game 1 included five lead changes — the most in a single postseason game before New York held on. Kansas City bounced back with a 4-1 victory to knot the series up.
Game 3 will take place Wednesday night in Kansas City.
The Tigers weren’t supposed to make it to the playoffs, much less the Divisional Series round. Detroit had been shut out through the first 17 innings against the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland’s pitching performed like it had all season long: dominantly.
However, in the top of the ninth inning, Kerry Carpenter blasted a three-run home run against All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase. Clase, who dominated with 47 saves, a 0.61 ERA and only two home runs during the 2024 regular season, allowed his first home run against a left-handed hitter in the season.
Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal continued his dominant postseason debut with seven more shutout innings Monday. The Cy Young favorite and 2024 Triple Crown winner has thrown 14 strikeouts in 13 shutout innings during the playoff run.
It has been pure chaos in the 2024 MLB playoffs, yet I haven’t discussed the most chaotic matchup.
The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers — one of three divisional matchups during the Divisional Series — are battling for a trip to the National League Championship Series for the second time in the last three seasons.
Tempers flared and Game 2 was delayed after fans threw objects toward outfielders Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr. Additionally, Manny Machado and Game 2 starting pitcher Jack Flaherty exchanged words in the middle of the sixth inning after Flaherty was pulled from the game trailing 4-1.
San Diego had the last laugh, however, by hitting a postseason record six home runs in the 10-2 rout in Los Angeles. Tatis Jr. hit two of the six long balls in the Game 2 win. Only the 2023 Phillies and 2015 Chicago Cubs hit six home runs in a single playoff game.
Game 3 of the NL series will begin on Tuesday, while Game 3 of the AL series will occur on Wednesday. The playoffs have only begun, but the games are shaping up to be some of the best in recent history.
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