Sure, it’s early. But baseball’s postseason is off to a roaring start, and Sunday’s NLDS action proved to be no exception.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, October brings with it the excitement of Major League Baseball’s postseason. This past Sunday, fans were treated to a thrilling day of National League Division Series (NLDS) action, featuring nail-biting finishes and standout performances. Let’s dive into the highlights of the day, including an instant classic in Philadelphia and a commanding victory in Los Angeles.
Around the Horn
Phillies 7, Mets 6
In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Philadelphia Phillies edged out the New York Mets in a wild contest that featured five lead changes and a total of six home runs. The Mets initially took control, with Mark Vientos tying the game in the ninth with a two-run homer. However, it was Nick Castellanos who stole the show, delivering a walk-off hit that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. This victory allowed the Phillies to split the first two games of the best-of-five series, setting the stage for a dramatic continuation.
Padres 10, Dodgers 2
While the Phillies and Mets battled it out in a tight contest, the San Diego Padres delivered a statement win against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a shaky Game 1, the Padres came out swinging, with five players hitting home runs, including two from the electrifying Fernando Tatis Jr. Yu Darvish was masterful on the mound, allowing only one run over seven innings, showcasing the Padres’ potential as they look to advance deeper into the postseason.
Three Up
Phillies Bats Roar to Life
After a disappointing two-run performance in Game 1, the Phillies’ offense exploded in Game 2. The bats came alive in the later innings, with Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos leading the charge. Harper’s two-run homer in the sixth inning ignited the team, while Castellanos’ clutch hits proved pivotal. The heart of the lineup, including Trea Turner, Harper, Castellanos, and Bryson Stott, combined for an impressive 8-for-16, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
Mark Vientos Breaking Out
Despite a few missteps in the field, Mark Vientos emerged as a key player for the Mets. His two home runs kept New York in the game and showcased his potential as a rising star. Finishing 3-for-4 with a walk, Vientos’ offensive contributions were crucial, proving that he can handle the spotlight in the postseason.
Yu Gotta Believe
At 38 years old, Yu Darvish continues to defy age with his stellar performances. In what was arguably the best postseason start of his career, Darvish dominated the Dodgers, needing only 82 pitches to complete seven innings while allowing just one run. His experience and poise on the mound will be invaluable for the Padres as they navigate the postseason.
Three Down
No Relief for Mets
The Mets’ bullpen, which had been effective in Game 1, faltered in Game 2. After José Butto recorded two outs in the seventh, the Mets turned to closer Edwin Díaz, who struggled to find his rhythm. Díaz was unable to secure the outs needed, leading to a series of runs that ultimately cost the Mets the game. The reliance on Díaz for extended innings proved detrimental, as the bullpen was stretched thin.
Rotation Woes for Dodgers
The Dodgers entered the postseason with concerns about their starting rotation, and those worries were amplified in Game 2. Jack Flaherty’s performance was underwhelming, allowing four earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. This followed a rough outing from Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 1, leaving manager Dave Roberts searching for answers as the series progresses.
Fans Get Unruly in L.A.
While the majority of Dodgers fans are passionate supporters, a small fraction crossed the line during Game 2. Play was halted for ten minutes as security dealt with unruly fans throwing trash and even a baseball onto the field. This behavior overshadowed the game and drew criticism, highlighting the need for sportsmanship even in the heat of postseason competition.
On Deck Monday
As the postseason continues, Monday promises more exciting matchups:
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Tigers at Guardians: 4:08 PM (ET), TBS
The Guardians lead the series 1-0, with Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39 ERA) taking the mound for Detroit against Matthew Boyd (2-2, 2.72 ERA) of Cleveland. - Royals at Yankees: 7:38 PM (ET), TBS
The Yankees lead the series 1-0, with Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14 ERA) facing off against Carlos Rodón (16-9, 3.96 ERA).
Picks to Click
Tarik Skubal vs. the Guardians
As the American League Cy Young Award favorite, Tarik Skubal faces significant pressure to even the series against the Guardians. Despite a challenging Game 1 for the Tigers’ bullpen, Skubal’s track record against Cleveland gives fans hope for a strong performance.
Salvador Perez vs. Carlos Rodón
Salvador Perez stands out as a key offensive threat for the Royals. With a career batting average of 12-for-26 against Rodón, including three home runs, Perez could be the spark the Royals need to turn the tide in their favor.
As the postseason unfolds, each game brings new drama and excitement, keeping fans glued to their seats. The stage is set for more unforgettable moments as teams vie for a chance at the ultimate prize: a World Series championship.