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In an exhilarating four-game Wednesday of the MLB playoffs, Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets became the first team to reach the championship series by eliminating the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of their National League Division Series.
They will have to await the outcome of the other series to learn who their opponent will be, as the Los Angeles Dodgers overpowered the San Diego Padres to level the series at two games. In the American League, the Detroit Tigers once again shut out the Cleveland Guardians, taking a 2-1 series lead, while the New York Yankees secured a 2-1 series advantage over the Kansas City Royals, bolstered by a standout performance from Giancarlo Stanton.
This is what unfolded during the day, from live updates and analyses throughout the games to key takeaways following the final out and what lies ahead for each team.
Jump to: Takeaways, analysis | Live updates
Takeaways and Analysis
Detroit leads series 2-1
The third game at Comerica Park was noteworthy for a unique reason—the ALDS series between the Guardians and Tigers is now only the second in playoff history to feature shutouts in each of the first three games, as reported by ESPN Research. The last two have favored Detroit, including Wednesday’s 3-0 victory. The Tigers utilized six different pitchers, three of whom came in during the same inning, to secure their second straight shutout.
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Manager A.J. Hinch has made almost every pitching decision effectively this postseason, which is reflected in the Tigers’ average of 2.8 runs per game while holding a 4-1 record so far. They have achieved this primarily with one standout pitcher, Tarik Skubal. On the other hand, Cleveland is experiencing a 20-inning postseason scoring drought, a franchise record, placing them in a challenging position in the series as they now trail 2-1 after leading 1-0 over the weekend.
What to watch in Game 4: The“`html
New York wins series 3-1
It’s true that the Mets can only be contained for so long. In Game 4, they filled the bases on two occasions within the first two innings against Phillies left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez, but failed to drive in any runs. However, their fortunes changed during the third opportunity against the Phillies’ bullpen. With one out, Phillies manager Rob Thomson called in his closer, Carlos Estevez, to pitch to Francisco Lindor. Estevez delivered a fastball that clocked 99 mph right down the middle. Lindor made the most of it, sending the ball soaring into the visitors’ bullpen in right-center field for a go-ahead grand slam, marking his most significant hit as a Met. This monumental homer ensured that New York capitalized on another strong outing from left-hander Jose Quintana, who restricted Philadelphia to just one run, two hits, and two walks over five innings, thereby propelling the Mets into the NLCS for the first time since 2015.
What’s next: The Mets are now poised to discover whether they will be heading to San Diego or Los Angeles to extend this remarkable season.
The last encounter between the Dodgers and Mets saw Jorge Lopez toss his glove into the stands, prompting the Mets to convene a players-only meeting after suffering through 15 losses in 19 games, plummeting to 11 games below .500. That was on May 29 and served as the catalyst for New York’s resurgence. Or perhaps it was Grimace’s ceremonial first pitch two weeks later? It’s uncertain. Nonetheless, since then, the Mets have asserted themselves as the top team in baseball. The Dodgers, who had the best regular season record, feature star players such as Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. Nevertheless, they face substantial concerns: Freddie Freeman’s ongoing ankle injury and a less-than-stellar starting rotation. While the Dodgers maintain an edge in the bullpen, the Mets boast a deeper batting order and more dependable starting pitchers. An NLCS matchup no one anticipated at the end of May may soon become a reality.
Meanwhile, the Mets concluded the regular season with a 5-2 record against the Padres, executing a sweep in a three-game series in New York during June and splitting a four-game series in San Diego at the end of August. Both teams feature robust pitching rotations and potent lineups. However, the Padres may possess a pronounced advantage in the bullpen, having acquired Jason Adam and Tanner Scott at the trade deadline to strengthen the setup for closer Robert Suarez. The Mets will need to devise a strategy to limit the red-hot Fernando Tatis Jr., while conversely, the Padres will have to figure out how to contain a team that persistently defies expectations.
As for the Phillies, here’s what lies ahead as they depart early for the winter. – Jorge Castillo
New York leads series 2-
Game 4: Gerrit Cole is set to pitch, benefiting from an off day between Games 1 and 2, which allows him to take the mound on regular rest, a game earlier than the typical Game 1 starter. He’s eager for the challenge of securing the Yankees’ 19th ALCS appearance. “In the postseason, I appreciate every opportunity I get,” Cole expressed. “I’m not choosy—whether it’s at home or on the road. Being here is a privilege.” — Jeff Passan
Series tied 2-2
Despite their injuries, the Dodgers remain resilient. They were missing their No. 3 hitter, lacked a traditional starting pitcher, and couldn’t rely on their everyday shortstop, yet with their season on the line, they fought through adversity. They succeeded in chasing Dylan Cease from the game by the second inning, lit up the scoreboard with five runs before recording their first out in the third inning, and never allowed the Padres’ powerful offense to threaten, eventually turning Game 4 into a decisive victory. Home runs from Mookie Betts, Will Smith, and Gavin Lux contributed to the win, while seven relievers combined for a shutout. Miguel Rojas was sidelined due to an adductor tear, and Freddie Freeman was ruled out last minute due to lingering discomfort from his sprained right ankle, leaving the Dodgers without a trustworthy starting pitcher as they faced elimination. None of these obstacles affected their performance. They are still in the fight.
What to watch in Game 5: This exhilarating and intense NLDS is set to culminate in a winner-take-all Game 5 on Friday night, and it feels well-deserved. The Padres will have Yu Darvish on the mound, who threw seven innings of one-run ball to secure a victory in Game 2. For the Dodgers, both Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are available. Likely, Yamamoto will take the start, and Flaherty will be ready in the bullpen if necessary. The Dodgers will enjoy the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, which famously turned hostile on Sunday. Their most significant benefit, however, is the day off on Thursday. They are hopeful this will allow Freeman to rejoin the lineup. — Alden Gonzalez
Relive all the action
MLB Playoffs Recap: Mets Shine Bright, Dodgers Fight Back, and Tigers Dominate in Thrilling Division Series Action
Overview of the Division Series
The 2024 MLB Playoffs have already showcased some unforgettable moments as teams battle for the coveted pennant. The Division Series has been particularly thrilling, with the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Detroit Tigers making headlines with their performances. In this article, we delve into the highlights of each team’s journey through the Division Series, analyzing their key players, pivotal games, and what lies ahead as we move closer to the League Championship Series.
New York Mets: A Dazzling Performance
Key Highlights
- Pitching Dominance: The Mets’ pitching staff has been stellar, showcasing their depth and talent.
- Offensive Power: With big bats in the lineup, the Mets have consistently scored runs to support their pitchers.
- Defensive Excellence: Crucial plays in the field have helped them maintain leads and close out games.
Star Players
The Mets have seen impressive contributions from several players:
- Max Scherzer: The veteran ace has been a key factor, delivering clutch performances in crucial games.
- Francisco Lindor: Lindor’s leadership and offensive output have energized the team.
- Starling Marte: Marte has come up big in critical moments, providing speed and power.
Game Recap
| Game | Opponent | Score | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Braves | 5-2 | Scherzer, Lindor |
| 2 | Braves | 4-3 | Marte, Díaz |
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Resilient Comeback
Turning the Tide
After facing early challenges, the Dodgers demonstrated their resilience and experience. Their journey through the Division Series was characterized by strategic adjustments and clutch performances.
Key Players Stepping Up
Several Dodgers players have emerged as key contributors:
- Cody Bellinger: Bellinger’s timely hitting has made a significant impact.
- Clayton Kershaw: The seasoned pitcher delivered critical innings to keep the Dodgers in contention.
- Mookie Betts: Betts has been a consistent offensive threat, providing power and speed.
Game Highlights
| Game | Opponent | Score | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Padres | 2-4 | Kershaw, Betts |
| 2 | Padres | 7-1 | Bellinger, Freeman |
Detroit Tigers: The Powerhouse Performance
Dominance on Display
The Tigers have been a force to be reckoned with in the Division Series, showcasing a blend of power hitting and solid pitching.
Inspiring Players
The Tigers’ success can be attributed to several standout performances:
- Riley Greene: The young outfielder has made headlines with his explosive batting.
- Spencer Torkelson: Torkelson’s contributions at the plate have been vital for the Tigers.
- Eduardo Rodriguez: Rodriguez has anchored the pitching staff with crucial starts.
Game Performance
| Game | Opponent | Score | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Twins | 6-3 | Greene, Rodriguez |
| 2 | Twins | 8-5 | Torkelson, Baez |
Critical Matchups Ahead
As the Division Series concludes and the League Championship Series approaches, fans can look forward to exciting matchups. The Mets will face off against the Dodgers, while the Tigers will take on the winner of the other Division Series. These matchups promise to be filled with drama and intensity as teams vie for a spot in the World Series.
Fans’ Perspective: The Thrill of the Playoffs
The MLB playoffs bring an unparalleled excitement, with fans rallying behind their teams. Here are some insights into what makes playoff baseball special:
- Community Engagement: Fans come together to support their teams, creating a vibrant atmosphere in stadiums and homes.
- Historic Moments: Playoff games often produce memorable moments that become part of baseball lore.
- Player Performances: Watching players elevate their game during the playoffs adds to the thrill of the experience.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
As we move forward in the 2024 MLB Playoffs, the stories of the Mets, Dodgers, and Tigers are just beginning. With intense competition and high stakes, fans can expect more excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments as we head towards the World Series.
