The Los Angeles Dodgers have made their way to the League Championship Series in the 2024 MLB playoff bracket. With a stellar performance from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched five scoreless innings, the Dodgers shut out the Padres on Friday, eliminating their NL West rivals and securing their spot in the NLCS.
The New York Mets were the first team to qualify for the next round. As the sixth-seeded team, the Mets received a significant boost from a grand slam by star shortstop Francisco Lindor in NLDS Game 4 on Wednesday, which propelled them to victory and knocked out the Philadelphia Phillies. Notably, the Mets did not secure a playoff spot until Monday, September 30—just a day after the regular season concluded for 28 teams—and now they find themselves just four wins shy of reaching the World Series. They are set to travel to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers starting Sunday.
On the other hand, the Phillies were unable to win a playoff series this year after claiming the NL pennant in 2022 and reaching the NLCS last season.
In the American League, the New York Yankees secured their ALCS spot on Thursday with a Game 4 victory over the Royals, fueled by an outstanding start from Gerrit Cole and offensive contributions from Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres. They will now await the conclusion of the Game 5 showdown between the Tigers and Guardians scheduled for Saturday.
During the Wild Card Series last week, the Tigers eliminated the Houston Astros, while the Royals triumphed over the Baltimore Orioles. Both of these underdogs from the AL Central accomplished two-game sweeps in their best-of-three series on the road. The Astros’ impressive streak of seven consecutive ALCS appearances has come to a close, while the Orioles find themselves with an 0-5 playoff record over the past two seasons.
In the National League’s Wild Card Round, the Padres successfully swept the Atlanta Braves. Meanwhile, the Mets celebrated their first playoff series victory since their 2015 World Series appearance by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the round’s only decisive Game 3.
The League Championship Series are set to begin on Sunday, October 13, and the World Series will kick off on either Tuesday, October 22, or Friday, October 25. For the full details, be sure to check the complete 2024 MLB playoff schedule.
Below is an overview of the full 2024 MLB playoff bracket.
2024 MLB playoff bracket
Keytron Jordan, CBS Sports
2024 MLB playoff schedule
All times Eastern
Division Series
Saturday, Oct. 5
ALDS Game 1: Guardians 7, Tigers 0 (Cleveland leads 1-0)
NLDS Game 1: Mets 6, Phillies 2 (New York leads 1-0)
ALDS Game 1: Yankees 6, Royals 5 (New York leads 1-0)
NLDS Game 1: Dodgers 7, Padres 5 (Los Angeles leads 1-0)
Sunday, Oct. 6
NLDS Game 2: Phillies 7, Mets 6“`html
NLDS Game 3: Mets 7, Phillies 2 (New York leads series 2-1)
NLDS Game 3: Padres 6, Dodgers 5 (San Diego leads series 2-1)
Wednesday, Oct. 9
ALDS Game 3: Tigers 3, Guardians 0 (Detroit leads series 2-1)
NLDS Game 4: Mets 4, Phillies 1 (New York wins series 3-1)
ALDS Game 3: Yankees 3, Royals 2 (New York leads series 2-1)
NLDS Game 4: Dodgers 8, Padres 0 (Series tied 2-2)
Thursday, Oct. 10
ALDS Game 4: Guardians 5, Tigers 4 (Series tied 2-2)
ALDS Game 4: Yankees 3, Royals 1 (New York wins series 3-1)
Friday, Oct. 11
NLDS Game 5: Dodgers 2, Padres 0 (Los Angeles wins series 3-2)
Saturday, Oct. 12
ALDS Game 5: Guardians vs. Tigers, 1:08 p.m., TBS
Championship Series
Sunday, Oct. 13
NLCS Game 1: Dodgers vs. Mets, 8:15 p.m., Fox, Fubo (Try for free)
Monday, Oct. 14
NLCS Game 2: Dodgers vs. Mets, 4:08 p.m., Fox, FS1, Fubo (Try for free)
ALCS Game 1: Yankees vs. Guardians/Tigers, 7:37 p.m., TBS
Tuesday, Oct. 15
ALCS Game 2: Yankees vs. Guardians/Tigers, 7:37 p.m., TBS
Wednesday, Oct. 16
NLCS Game 3: Mets vs. Dodgers, 8:08 p.m., Fox, Fubo (Try for free)
Thursday, Oct. 17
ALCS Game 3: Yankees vs. Guardians/Tigers
World Series Game 2: TBD vs. TBD
Monday, Oct. 28
World Series Game 3: TBD vs. TBD
Tuesday, Oct. 29
World Series Game 4: TBD vs. TBD
Wednesday, Oct. 30
*World Series Game 5: TBD vs. TBD
Friday, Nov. 1
*World Series Game 6: TBD vs. TBD
Saturday, Nov. 2
*World Series Game 7: TBD vs. TBD
*-if necessary
2024 MLB Playoff Scores
Wild Card Series
All times Eastern
Tuesday, Oct. 1
AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Tigers 3, Astros 1 (Detroit leads 1-0)
AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Royals 1, Orioles 0 (Kansas City leads 1-0)
NL Wild Card Series Game 1: Mets 8, Brewers 4 (New York leads 1-0)
NL Wild Card Series Game 1: Padres 4, Braves 0 (San Diego leads 1-0)
Wednesday, Oct. 2
AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Tigers 5, Astros 2 (Detroit wins 2-0)
AL Wild Card Series Game 2: Royals 2, Orioles 1 (Kansas City wins 2-0)
NL Wild Card Series Game 2: Brewers 5, Mets 3 (Series tied 1-1)
NL Wild Card Series Game 2: Padres 5, Braves 4 (San Diego wins 2-0)
Thursday, Oct. 3
NL Wild Card Series Game 3: Mets 3, Brewers 2 (New York wins 2-1)
2024 MLB Playoffs: Dodgers and Mets Set for NLCS Showdown as Yankees Advance in AL
Overview of the 2024 MLB Playoffs
The 2024 Major League Baseball postseason has reached an exciting climax, with the National League Championship Series (NLCS) set to feature a thrilling matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have secured their spot in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), showcasing the intensity and drama that only October baseball can deliver.
NLCS Preview: Dodgers vs. Mets
The NLCS promises to be a captivating series, with the Dodgers and Mets both entering the postseason with formidable rosters and postseason experience.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Force to Reckon With
The Dodgers finished the regular season strong, clinching a playoff spot with a remarkable record. Their lineup features power hitters and a deep rotation that can dominate in high-pressure situations.
- Key Players: Look out for stars like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, whose postseason experience is invaluable.
- Pitching Strength: The Dodgers’ pitching staff, led by Clayton Kershaw, has the capability to keep opposing batters in check.
New York Mets: A Resilient Team
The Mets, known for their strong pitching and explosive offense, are looking to capitalize on their momentum from the regular season. With a mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent, they pose a serious threat to the Dodgers.
- Star Pitchers: Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander bring championship pedigree to the mound.
- Offensive Power: The Mets’ lineup, featuring Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, can change the game with one swing of the bat.
Head-to-Head Matchups
When analyzing the matchups between these two teams, several key factors will play a role:
- Batting Averages: How the teams performed against each other during the regular season will influence the series.
- Pitching Matchups: The strategic deployment of starting pitchers and relievers will be crucial.
Key Stats and Figures
| Team | Regular Season Record | Runs Scored | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 94–68 | 850 | 3.25 |
| New York Mets | 92–69 | 800 | 3.45 |
ALCS Update: Yankees Advance
The New York Yankees have emerged victorious in the AL division series, setting the stage for an exciting ALCS showdown. Their ability to perform in clutch situations has been a hallmark of their postseason success.
Strengths of the Yankees
The Yankees are known for their powerful lineup and resilient pitching staff, making them a formidable opponent in the playoffs.
- Notable Players: Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton provide the firepower in the batting lineup.
- Pitching Depth: Gerrit Cole leads the rotation, backed by a strong bullpen that can handle late-game situations.
Yankees vs. Opponent Preview
As they prepare for the ALCS, the Yankees will need to analyze their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses carefully:
- Defensive Strategies: The Yankees must focus on maintaining strong defensive play against powerful hitters.
- Offensive Aggression: Their approach at the plate will be crucial in capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
Fan Experience During the Playoffs
The atmosphere in stadiums during the MLB playoffs is electric, with fans rallying behind their teams. Here are ways fans can enhance their experience:
- Attend Home Games: There’s nothing like being in the stands to witness the action live.
- Watch Parties: Organizing or attending watch parties can bring the community together to support the team.
- Merchandise: Purchasing team gear not only shows support but also contributes to the excitement of the postseason.
Historical Context of the Teams
Both the Dodgers and Mets have rich histories in Major League Baseball, with multiple postseason appearances and championships. Understanding their legacies adds depth to the current playoff narratives.
- Dodgers’ Legacy: With several World Series titles, the Dodgers have long been considered a powerhouse in baseball.
- Mets’ Moments: The Mets have had iconic playoff moments, including their miraculous 1986 World Series win.
Conclusion: Anticipating the Action Ahead
As the 2024 MLB playoffs unfold, fans can look forward to memorable matchups, intense gameplay, and the thrill of postseason baseball. Whether you’re rooting for the Dodgers, Mets, or Yankees, the excitement of October baseball brings communities and fans together like no other sport.
