01.11.24 The Dodgers win the 2024 World Series!
The Dodgers secured a 4-1 series victory over the New York Yankees, capping off a well-earned season triumph. As the top-ranked team heading into the postseason, few will have complaints or suggest that another team deserved the title more. However, the way they won the championship on Wednesday night was nothing short of astonishing. The Yankees had battled back in Game 4 after trailing 3-0 in the series and had their ace, Gerrit Cole, on the mound, aiming to force a return to Los Angeles.
Gerrit Cole was brilliant, while Jack Flaherty, starting for the Dodgers, couldn’t make it past the second inning. Aaron Judge found his rhythm and hit a home run, giving the Yankees a commanding 5-0 lead. The momentum had shifted, and at 3-2, the series would be wide open in LA. But what happened in the fifth inning will go down in baseball lore. A complete and utter meltdown by the Yankees in the field, starting with Judge dropping a routine catch, allowed the Dodgers to score five runs and tie the game. From that moment, there was only one possible outcome, and Walker Buehler came out to close the game in the ninth inning, sparking celebrations across Los Angeles.
That fifth inning—possibly the worst defensive performance in an important game ever—will haunt Yankees fans forever. Perhaps they are cursed, or maybe it’s karma for the behavior of a couple of fans who grabbed Mookie Betts in Game 4 as he attempted to make a catch. Who knows? But that inning will live long in baseball memory.
Freddie Freeman was named MVP after a phenomenal series, hitting four home runs and collecting multiple key hits. He was the driving force behind the Dodgers, especially after their other superstar, Shohei Ohtani, was injured in Game 2 and never looked the same afterward.
And so, the 2024 season comes to a close. Like life itself, baseball keeps moving forward, as we now turn our attention to the offseason and the rumblings of free agency.
The Yankees strike back and stave off a sweep in Game 4!
A wild night in the Bronx saw the Yankees avoid a 4-0 sweep in the World Series, taking advantage of the Dodgers' lack of starting pitching to secure an 11-4 victory. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, but the Yankees managed to postpone the agony of defeat for at least another 24 hours. Luis Gil took the mound for the Yankees and delivered a solid performance, while the Dodgers were forced into a bullpen game due to long-term injuries in their starting rotation. The Yankees seized the opportunity as the bottom half of their lineup finally came alive. Die-hard Yankee fan Anthony Volpe hit a grand slam, with Gleyber Torres and Austin Wells also going deep as the Yankees found their rhythm.
The Dodgers started strong as MVP candidate Freddie Freeman hit yet another home run in the first inning, giving the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. However, this time, the Yankees rallied and took full advantage of the Dodgers’ depleted bullpen.
Now, the Yankees hope to take the series back to L.A. with a win tonight. Their ace, Gerrit Cole, will be on the mound. He was brilliant in Game 1, matched only by Jack Flaherty’s equally exceptional performance. But after gaining some confidence in Game 4, the Yankees now have a real chance with Cole pitching. Aaron Judge, who has struggled throughout the series, showed signs of improvement with a hit and a walk last night, perhaps indicating he's turning a corner. If Judge can find his form, the Yankees might be right back in the mix.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers face some concerns with Shohei Ohtani, who has not looked like himself since sustaining an injury in Game 2. Could the tide be turning in favor of the Yankees?
FREEMAN STRIKES AGAIN TO GIVE THE DODGERS A 3-0 LEAD IN THE WORLD SERIES
Freddie Freeman is having a World Series to remember. For the third game in a row, he hit a home run, leading the Dodgers' offense to another 4-2 victory over the Yankees in the Bronx last night. It was a must-win game for the Yankees; however, Clarke Schmidt couldn't stop giving up walks, lasting only 2 1/2 innings before being pulled. Walker Buehler fared much better, pitching five excellent innings to stifle the Yankees' offense. The Dodgers' bullpen then took over, and despite a two-run rally in the ninth, they managed to close out the game and take a 3-0 lead in the series. This looks insurmountable, as the Yankees will need a miracle. No team in history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series. With Judge failing to deliver again, boos rang out across the stadium, and the Yankees looked completely lost.
Tonight, the Yankees might feel like they have a shot. The Dodgers will turn to their bullpen, whereas the Yankees can rely on a fourth starter. However, the Dodgers' bullpen has been brilliant this postseason, though it could start to feel the strain, similar to the Guardians, whose bullpen ran out of steam in the conference series after being dominant all season. The Yankees will turn to Luis Gil, who has been unpredictable at best this season. Capable of brilliance, he has more often than not been below average, with a TBA9 of 13.99, ranked 171st in the MLB. It is do-or-die for the Yankees now, and it would be a tragedy if all the progress from this season—Judge being the leading hitter, Soto being a sensation—crumbled to dust. With Soto out of contract, this could also be his last game for the Yankees. First pitch is at 8:08 pm ET.
DODGERS TAKE A 2-0 LEAD WITH A 4-2 VICTORY IN GAME 2
Yamamoto, the most expensive pitcher in history, justified the faith placed in him by holding the Yankees to just one run over six innings, with a solo home run by Juan Soto as the only blemish. Freddie Freeman continued his clutch performances for the second consecutive night, while Teoscar Hernandez added a home run to give the Dodgers the lead in the third inning, which they held onto despite a late Yankees rally in the ninth. Aaron Judge's continued struggles at the plate, marked by frequent strikeouts, are becoming a serious concern for the Yankees. The Dodgers' only setback was a possible dislocated shoulder for superstar Shohei Ohtani, who was injured while attempting to steal a base in the seventh inning. If Ohtani is sidelined, it would be a significant blow for the team.
The series shifts to New York tonight for a must-win game for the Yankees, with Clarke Schmidt (NYY) set to face Walker Buehler (LAD).
As the matchups grow more unpredictable, Schmidt represents a solid but unspectacular option for the Yankees. His ranking of 118 and a TBA9 of 13.22 indicate reliability, though he may struggle to contain the Dodgers' potent lineup for long.
The Dodgers are putting their hopes on Walker Buehler, whose rank of 386 and TBA9 of 19.77 highlight his challenging season. Despite Buehler’s electric potential, inconsistency and injuries have plagued him, and if the Yankees can capitalize early, the Dodgers may need to turn to their bullpen as soon as the fourth inning.
Edge: Yankees
WALK OFF HOME RUN IN GAME 1 WINS IT FOR THE DODGERS!
A brilliant, tight match-up had it all to kick off the wirkd series. Brilliant pitching from Coe and Flaherty limited scoring opportunities, and it needed extra innings to decide it. 2-2 going into the 10th. The Dodgers got two players on base and the Yankees chose to walk Mookie Betts and put Freeman on with 2 outs and the bases loaded. The Yankees brought out starter Nestor Cortes who hasn't pitched in a month, and Freeman saw a fastball on the inside and sent it into the heavens for a walk-off grand slam, the first time in World Series history. The game was everything we hoped for, and the series promises to be an absolute classic. Game 2 tonight with Yamamoto on the mound for the Dodgers.
World Series Preview: Yankees vs. Dodgers Pitching Matchups
As we gear up for this year's World Series, the classic rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers takes center stage. While baseball fans love a good pitching duel, this series might not provide many of those, with both teams featuring middle-of-the-pack rotations and bullpens that will likely carry a heavy load. It’s been a season dominated by offense, as reflected in the rankings of the pitchers we’ll see on the mound.
Let's break down the probable starters and assess their chances, while keeping in mind that we’re unlikely to see anyone getting beyond the 6th inning. That early hook has become a staple of postseason baseball as managers lean on their relievers like never before.
Game 1: Gerrit Cole (NYY) vs. Jack Flaherty (LAD)
This should be the premier pitching matchup, and on paper, the Yankees have a clear advantage. Gerrit Cole, despite his rank of 123 with a TBA9 of 13.26, has been a force all season. Don’t let the rank fool you—he’s an ace, a perennial Cy Young candidate, and the Yankees will look to him to set the tone for the series. Cole is as reliable as they come, and if anyone is going to make it into the 7th inning, it’s him.
Jack Flaherty, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season. Ranked 288 with a TBA9 of 16.01, he’s had moments of brilliance, like Game 1 of the NLCS, but struggled when asked to pitch on short rest. If the Dodgers get the good version of Flaherty, they can keep pace with Cole. But if Flaherty falters early, the bullpen will need to step in, and we know how that’s gone this year.
Edge: Yankees
Game 2: Carlos Rodón (NYY) vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD)
This one is a bit trickier. Carlos Rodón has been a reliable arm for the Yankees, but his rank of 276 and TBA9 of 15.79 show that he’s far from dominant. He’s prone to inconsistency, and it’s been a season of highs and lows for him.
The Dodgers counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has emerged as their true ace. Ranked 68 with a TBA9 of 12.10, Yamamoto’s control and command have been impressive all season. He’s been a breath of fresh air for the Dodgers, and in a game where the starters matter, this is where the Dodgers might gain an edge.
Edge: Dodgers
Game 3: Clarke Schmidt (NYY) vs. Walker Buehler (LAD)
Now we’re getting into some more volatile matchups. Clarke Schmidt is another solid but unspectacular arm for the Yankees. His rank of 118 and TBA9 of 13.22 suggest he’s steady but not someone you’d trust to keep a potent Dodgers lineup at bay for long.
The Dodgers will go with Walker Buehler, whose rank of 386 and TBA9 of 19.77 show just how much he’s struggled. While Buehler has the potential for electric stuff, injuries and inconsistency have plagued him all season. If the Yankees' bats can take advantage early, the Dodgers could find themselves turning to the bullpen by the 4th inning.
Edge: Yankees
Game 4: Luis Gil (NYY) vs. Ben Casparius (LAD)
This is where things get murky, and both teams will likely turn to the bullpen early. Luis Gil for the Yankees has a TBA9 of 13.99, and while he’s been serviceable, this isn’t a pitcher who inspires much confidence.
The Dodgers will likely have a bullpen game here, with Ben Casparius potentially starting things off. His TBA9 of 16.29 isn’t exactly what you want to see in a Game 4 situation, but this is modern baseball—get through the first few innings, and then it’s a parade of relievers.
Edge: Yankees (barely)
The Bullpen Factor
Let’s face it: This series is going to come down to the bullpens, and both teams have their work cut out for them. The Yankees’ bullpen, with an average TBA9 of 13.51 (total: 108.07), has been solid but unspectacular. Luke Weaver, Clay Holmes, and Tim Hill provide some stability, but there are enough question marks, like Marcus Stroman and Tim Mayza, that the Yankees could be in trouble if their starters falter.
The Dodgers’ bullpen, on the other hand, looks slightly better on paper. With an average TBA9 of 12.58 for their top 8 relievers (total: 100.61), they seem to have the edge here. Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Ryan Brasier have been bright spots, and even though guys like Edgardo Henriquez and Anthony Banda have been shaky, the Dodgers' bullpen has the depth to carry them through the later innings.
Bullpen Edge: Dodgers
The Final Word
If you’re a fan of traditional pitching duels, this series might not be for you. We’re seeing less of pitchers going deep into games, and more reliance on bullpens that have been taxed all season. The 5-day break before the World Series might help, but don’t expect a lot of complete games.
The Yankees, with Gerrit Cole leading the way, have the edge in starting pitching. But don’t sleep on the Dodgers’ bullpen, which could turn the tide in the later innings. Both teams have had up-and-down seasons on the mound, but this series will likely be decided by which offense can capitalize when the starters get an early hook.
World Series Preview: Yankees vs. Dodgers
The 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers presents a fascinating matchup between two powerhouse teams. To assess their chances, it's essential to examine both regular-season stats (for a base level of player ability) and more recent data (for current form). The balance of these factors will determine which team has the edge.
Regular Season Strengths: A Strong Base
Over the regular season, the Dodgers displayed a deeper and more consistent lineup. With a Total Bases per 9 innings (TBO9) total of 49.99, they show that their lineup excels over time. Max Muncy (5.85 TBO9), Mookie Betts (5.92), and Shohei Ohtani (7.66) were standouts, consistently delivering strong offensive output. Players like Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, and Will Smith also contributed solidly, ensuring there were no major weak spots in their lineup. Freddie Freeman underperformed toward the end of the season but remained a key contributor throughout.
The Yankees, on the other hand, posted a TBO9 of 45.91, indicating a slightly lower base level of offensive strength compared to the Dodgers. Their top hitters like Juan Soto (7.22), Giancarlo Stanton (5.05), and Aaron Judge (8.29) were dominant, but beyond them, the lineup tapered off. Anthony Rizzo (3.74 TBO9) and Gleyber Torres (4.46) were steady but didn’t provide the depth seen in the Dodgers’ roster. The Yankees are more reliant on their top performers, which could be a concern in a long series.
Recent Form: Confidence and Momentum
In terms of recent form, which is vital to understanding who’s hot going into the series, the Dodgers again hold the advantage with a TBO9 of 63.66 over the last seven days. Muncy, Betts, and Ohtani have been in fantastic form, each posting impressive numbers. Gavin Lux and Teoscar Hernández have provided support, though Freddie Freeman continues to struggle, showing just 2.81 TBO9 recently.
For the Yankees, their recent TBO9 total is 51.58, meaning their lineup isn’t performing at the same high level as the Dodgers. Stanton and Soto have maintained good form, each posting over 8.40 TBO9 in the last week. Judge has also been reliable, but the lower-order batters like Jose Trevino and Austin Wells haven't contributed as much, which could expose the Yankees to additional pressure if their stars fail to deliver.
Pitching Matchups: Regular Season Performance Still Key
On the pitching side, both teams have solidified their rotations over the course of the regular season. The Yankees have Carlos Rodón, who remains their top pitcher with a TBO9 of 12.86. The rest of their rotation is shakier, with Clarke Schmidt struggling recently and an unreliable bullpen. Injuries to the Dodgers’ Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone leave their rotation thin, forcing them to lean heavily on Jack Flaherty and Yamamoto along with their bullpen.
Conclusion: Depth and Consistency vs. Power and Reliance
The Dodgers’ depth and balance throughout the season give them a slight edge over the Yankees, who rely more on their top hitters. With Glasnow and Stone injured, pitching could be an equalizer, but the Dodgers’ recent form and overall balance in their lineup make them favorites going into this highly anticipated World Series.
World Series Early Preview: Yankees vs Dodgers - How Do They Stack Up?
As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare for the 2024 World Series, it's shaping up to be an epic matchup between two storied franchises. Both teams had strong regular seasons, and their postseason performances have set the stage for a highly competitive series. Let’s break down how these two powerhouses compare, from regular season performance to recent form, across both batting and pitching.
Regular Season Overview
The Yankees finished the regular season with 94 wins, while the Dodgers outdid them with 98 wins, giving LA a slight edge heading into the postseason. Looking at ELO rankings, the Dodgers were ranked as the best team in baseball with an ELO of 1288.6, while the Yankees were fourth at 1251.1.
Yankees Batting
For the Yankees, it all starts with their star power at the plate. Aaron Judge led the regular season with a TBO9 of 8.61, the best in baseball. Juan Soto wasn’t far behind, boasting a TBO9 of 7.25. However, beyond these two, the Yankees’ batting lineup was inconsistent. Gleyber Torres, Anthony Volpe, and Giancarlo Stanton all struggled to consistently support their top sluggers, with TBO9s ranging between 4.0 and 5.1.
Postseason Performers
The postseason, however, has seen some of these batters step up. Giancarlo Stanton has turned up the heat with a TBO9 of 7.41 over 39 plate appearances, and Juan Soto continues to impress with a TBO9 of 6.0. Aaron Judge, while not as dominant as his regular season form, still holds a respectable TBO9 of 3.77.
Over the last 7 days, the Yankees' top hitters are getting hot at the right time. Juan Soto has posted a 9.95 TBO9 over his last 19 at-bats, with Stanton just behind at 9.5. The Yankees’ power duo could be a nightmare for the Dodgers' pitching staff if they maintain this form in the series.
Dodgers Batting
The Dodgers come into the World Series boasting a more balanced lineup, led by the acquisition of Shohei Ohtani. In the regular season, Ohtani finished second in TBO9 with 7.80, closely followed by Max Muncy (6.19) and Mookie Betts (5.96). The Dodgers' depth showed through with multiple players contributing around the 4.5–5.5 range, including Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith.
Postseason Performers
In the postseason, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy have been the standouts. Betts has put up a TBO9 of 6.08 over 47 plate appearances, while Muncy, with a TBO9 of 6.43, has also been vital to the Dodgers’ offense. Surprisingly, Ohtani has not been as dominant in the postseason, with a TBO9 of 4.74, showing a dip in form.
Looking at the last 7 days, Max Muncy has been on fire with an astonishing TBO9 of 18.82. Ohtani has also regained some form with a TBO9 of 10.0, while Betts sits at 9.41. However, Freddie Freeman has been cold, managing just a TBO9 of 0.60 over 15 at-bats, which could be a worrying sign for LA as they head into the final series.
Yankees Pitching
Pitching has been a strong suit for the Yankees all season. Luis Gil leads the charge with a TBA9 of 13.99, and Nestor Cortes follows closely with 14.11. The Yankees’ pitching staff has done well to limit total bases allowed, which could be a key advantage against a Dodgers lineup packed with power. Their bullpen, featuring Tim Hill (TBA9 of 12.86) and Jake Cousins (TBA9 of 17.14), has been fairly reliable throughout the season. However, in the postseason, the Yankees will rely heavily on both their rotation and bullpen to stifle the Dodgers' offense.
Postseason Performers
Tommy Kahnle has been the standout in the bullpen with a postseason TBA9 of 15.75, while Luis Gil continues to lead the rotation with a TBA9 of 13.50. The Yankees’ pitching staff has done well in keeping opposition offenses in check, and if they can maintain this form, they will pose a significant challenge to the Dodgers’ bats.
Dodgers Pitching
Pitching depth could be the Achilles' heel for the Dodgers. Injuries to key starters like Tyler Glasnow have left LA short-staffed. Jack Flaherty has been inconsistent with a TBA9 of 16.01, but had a good start in the ALCS. Gavin Stone has also been ruled out with shoulder surgery. The Dodgers' bullpen, however, remains a strong point, with Michael Kopech putting up a solid TBA9 of 8.25 in the regular season.
Postseason Performers
Blake Treinen has been their most reliable arm in the postseason, posting a TBA9 of 8.78. However, beyond him, the Dodgers lack depth, relying heavily on their bullpen. Walker Buehler and Ben Kasparius have been decent in limited postseason action, but the overall lack of quality starting pitching might force the Dodgers to lean heavily on their bullpen—a dangerous strategy against the Yankees' heavy hitters.
Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?
In terms of offensive firepower, both teams boast heavy hitters capable of changing the game in a single swing. The Yankees have the top-end talent with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but the Dodgers’ depth and balance, led by Ohtani, Betts, and Muncy, might give them a slight edge in the batting department.
On the pitching front, the Yankees appear to have the upper hand. Their rotation and bullpen have performed better across the board, while the Dodgers are relying heavily on their bullpen due to injuries to their starting pitchers.
As the series approaches, both teams will need their stars to step up. The Yankees' reliance on their big hitters finding form could be crucial, while the Dodgers will need to see more from players like Freddie Freeman if they want to secure the title.
It’s going to be a battle of depth vs. star power. Will the Dodgers’ well-rounded lineup outlast the Yankees’ pitching and powerful offense? Or will the Yankees' hot streaks from Stanton and Soto be enough to lift them to another World Series title? We’ll soon find out.
MLB Update - 21.10.24 - Dodgers and Yankees Set for Epic World Series Showdown
Dodgers Return to the World Series
The Dodgers have done it again. After an aggressive offseason that saw the acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, the 2024 campaign was always going to be a “World Series or bust” season for the boys in blue. And after clinching the NLCS in a 10-5 victory over the Mets, Los Angeles is heading back to the Fall Classic for the 22nd time in franchise history.
With Ohtani leading the charge, backed by stars like Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, the Dodgers overcame adversity, including key injuries and off-field distractions, to punch their ticket to the World Series. Their bullpen, while shaky at times, held strong when it mattered most in Game 6, navigating through nine innings of high-pressure baseball. Evan Phillips and his bullpen mates came through when needed, stranding 13 Mets baserunners and securing the Dodgers' place in the championship.
"Every year we aim for this, but this time, it feels more special," said Muncy after lifting the NLCS trophy.
Now, the Dodgers will face off against the Yankees in what promises to be a titanic battle for the ages. It’s been 43 years since these two powerhouse franchises last met in the World Series, and fans of both sides are bracing for a historic showdown.
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Soto’s Heroics Lead Yankees to 41st Pennant
The Yankees’ ALCS victory over the Guardians was a testament to their resilience and firepower. Juan Soto, the offseason megastar acquisition, was the hero in Game 5, blasting a decisive three-run homer in the 10th inning to send the Yankees to their 41st pennant. With Stanton earning ALCS MVP honors and Soto delivering in clutch moments, the Yankees are primed to chase their 28th World Series title.
"We’re going to win; we’re going to the World Series," said Soto, who led the Yankees through the highs and lows of the ALCS. His go-ahead homer, combined with Stanton's clutch hitting and the Yankees’ relentless bullpen, propelled them past Cleveland in a nail-biting series.
As manager Aaron Boone said, "Getting to do this with these guys every day is something special. We’re ready for the next step."
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World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Yankees
As the two most storied franchises in baseball, the Dodgers and Yankees will meet in the Fall Classic in what’s expected to be a battle of the titans. Both teams are loaded with star power, and the anticipation for this matchup has been building all season.
"It sounds fun," said Betts. "It’s what the world wanted to see, and it’s going to be good for baseball."
With two-way phenom Ohtani and Betts leading the Dodgers and Soto and Stanton powering the Yankees, this World Series has the makings of an all-time classic. Baseball fans, buckle up.
The series kicks off on Friday at Dodger Stadium, and the whole world will be watching as these juggernauts collide.
American League Division Series Recap
New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals
The Yankees handled their business against the Royals, winning the series 3-1. Despite a Game 2 setback, New York leaned on clutch performances from veterans Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres. After narrowly winning Game 1, 6-5, New York controlled the series. Jazz Chisholm Jr. added power, and Yankees’ pitching came through late to secure the final two wins.
Series Result: Yankees win 3-1
Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers
The Guardians advanced in a back-and-forth series, beating the Tigers 3-2. Game 1 was a statement, with Cleveland blanking Detroit 7-0, thanks to stellar hitting by Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas. Detroit fought back, winning the next two games before Cleveland took control of Game 4 and dominated Game 5, with another big performance by Kwan. The Guardians' resilience showed, especially with clutch pitching down the stretch.
Series Result: Guardians win 3-2
National League Division Series Recap
New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Mets delivered a solid series win over the Phillies, with standout performances from Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos, propelling New York to a 3-1 series victory. Game 3 was particularly decisive, with the Mets dominating 7-2. Their pitching proved too strong for the Phillies to overcome, as New York punched their ticket to the NLCS.
Series Result: Mets win 3-1
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
This was a hard-fought series that came down to Game 5, where the Dodgers shut out the Padres 2-0, as the Padres'offence stumbled just at the wrong moment. Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández carried the offense throughout the series, while the pitching staff, led by their bullpen, held San Diego at bay. Los Angeles’ Game 4 shutout was a momentum-changer that helped clinch the series.
Series Result: Dodgers win 3-2
Top Performers - Last 7 Days
Several players shined during the Division Series. Here are the standout performances:
- Mookie Betts (Dodgers): A key factor in the Dodgers' offense, Betts batted .313 with two home runs and 6 RBIs, consistently driving in runs when needed.
- Giancarlo Stanton (Yankees): Stanton’s bat came alive with a .500 average and critical RBIs, leading the Yankees in key moments.
- Steven Kwan (Guardians): Kwan was relentless at the plate, hitting .556 with 10 hits, playing a significant role in Cleveland’s Game 5 victory.
- Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers): Hernández was a force, with two home runs and a .412 OBP, helping the Dodgers’ power surge through the series.
Looking Ahead
With the Division Series now concluded, the ALCS and NLCS are set. The Yankees will face the Guardians in the American League, while the Dodgers square off against the Mets in the National League. Stay tuned for more postseason action as these teams battle for a spot in the 2024 World Series.
American League Division Series
Matchup 1: New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals
The series is tied 1-1 after two thrilling games at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees narrowly took Game 1 with a 6-5 victory, but the Royals responded with a strong performance in Game 2, winning 4-2. The series now shifts to Kauffman Stadium for Games 3 and 4. Both teams are playing solid defense, but the Royals have shown resilience with timely hitting. Game 3 will be pivotal as the winner takes a crucial series lead.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, 5/10 | 6:38 PM | @Yankees | Yankees 6-5 |
| 2 | Sat, 7/10 | 7:38 PM | @Yankees | Royals 4-2 |
| 3 | Mon, 9/10 | 6:08 PM | @Royals | TBD |
Matchup 2: Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers
This series is also tied 1-1 after the Guardians took Game 1 decisively with a 7-0 shutout. The Tigers bounced back with a solid 3-0 win in Game 2 behind a stellar pitching performance. As the series moves to Detroit, both teams will be looking to seize control in Game 3. The Tigers have been relying heavily on their bullpen, while the Guardians are looking to maintain their strong offensive start.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, 5/10 | 1:08 PM | @Guardians | Guardians 7-0 |
| 2 | Sat, 7/10 | 4:08 PM | @Guardians | Tigers 3-0 |
| 3 | Mon, 9/10 | 3:08 PM | @Tigers | TBD |
National League Division Series
Matchup 1: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
The Padres have a surprising 2-1 series lead over the Dodgers. After a dominant performance in Game 2, they held on to win a tight Game 3 by a score of 6-5. The Dodgers, despite their high-powered offense, have struggled to contain San Diego’s relentless lineup. With Game 4 set at Petco Park, the Padres are looking to close out the series and eliminate the top-seeded Dodgers.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, 5/10 | 5:38 PM | @Dodgers | Dodgers 7-5 |
| 2 | Fri, 6/10 | 5:03 PM | @Dodgers | Padres 10-2 |
| 3 | Sun, 8/10 | 6:08 PM | @Padres | Padres 6-5 |
Matchup 2: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets
The Mets currently hold a 2-1 series lead over the Phillies. After a dramatic victory in Game 3, where they managed to pull away late in the game, the Mets have shown their resilience. Philadelphia, though, won’t go down quietly, and Game 4 could be a turning point as both teams battle for control. With Game 4 in New York, the Mets have the opportunity to close out the series at home.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, 5/10 | 4:08 PM | @Phillies | Mets 6-2 |
| 2 | Fri, 6/10 | 4:08 PM | @Phillies | Phillies 7-6 |
| 3 | Sun, 8/10 | 5:08 PM | @Mets | Mets 7-2 |
American League Wild Card Series
Matchup 1: Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros
The Detroit Tigers swept the series against the Houston Astros 2-0, with strong pitching performances from Tarik Skubal in Game 1 and clutch hitting in Game 2. This marks a major victory for the Tigers, who return to the postseason with momentum. Meanwhile, the Astros struggled at home, continuing their recent postseason woes.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue, 1/10 | 3:32 PM | @Astros | Tigers 3-1 |
| 2 | Wed, 2/10 | 3:32 PM | @Astros | Tigers 5-2 |
Matchup 2: Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Kansas City Royals also swept their series 2-0, showing composure in low-scoring games. The Orioles, who had such a promising season, fell short in the clutch moments, extending their postseason losing streak.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue, 1/10 | 5:08 PM | @Orioles | Royals 1-0 |
| 2 | Wed, 2/10 | 5:38 PM | @Orioles | Royals 2-1 |
National League Wild Card Series
Matchup 1: Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets
The Mets fought their way back into the series after losing Game 2 and won the decisive Game 3 on a dramatic ninth-inning home run from Pete Alonso. The Brewers, who dominated the season series, fell short in the clutch moments, ending another postseason run in heartbreak.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue, 1/10 | 6:32 PM | @Brewers | Mets 8-4 |
| 2 | Wed, 2/10 | 8:38 PM | @Brewers | Brewers 5-3 |
| 3 | Thu, 3/10 | 9:38 PM | @Brewers | Mets 4-2 |
Matchup 2: San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves
The Padres managed to sweep the Braves with strong performances in both pitching and hitting. The Braves were unable to break through the Padres' solid bullpen, and San Diego's depth and balance carried them to a quick 2-0 series victory.
| Game | Date | Time | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue, 1/10 | 9:38 PM | @Padres | Padres 4-0 |
| 2 | Wed, 2/10 | 9:38 PM | @Padres | Padres 5-4 |
Regular Season Awards
The best batters and pitchers of the regular season have been announced! Here's a look at the top performers in both hitting and pitching categories:
Best Batters of the Season: Aaron Judge led the league with his impressive TBO9 (Total Bases Obtained per 9 innings) of 8.55, followed by Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. These batters consistently drove their teams' offenses and were crucial to their postseason pushes.
Best Pitchers of the Season: Tarik Skubal dominated the league with a TBA9 (Total Bases Against per 9 innings) of 10.41, followed closely by Chris Sale and Paul Skenes. Their efforts on the mound were pivotal to their teams' success and made them the best in the league.
3&2 Batting Champion: Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
3&2 Pitching Champion: Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)
Postseason Seeding and Matchups
With the Wild Card Series concluded, here are the remaining teams and their matchups:
- American League Division Series:
#1 New York Yankees vs. #5 Kansas City Royals
#2 Cleveland Guardians vs. #6 Detroit Tigers - National League Division Series:
#1 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. #4 San Diego Padres
#2 Philadelphia Phillies vs. #6 New York Mets
