Page 38 - AM231006
P. 38
38 SPORTS AWEMainta Diabierna, 6 October 2023
Divisional Series Awaits
Historic MLB
Wild Card Series
Sees Four Sweeps
IN an unprecedented turn of events in Major League
Baseball (MLB) history, the recently concluded Wild Card
Series witnessed a remarkable occurrence – four sweeps in Carlos Correa delivering an RBI single, and Willi Castro
a single playoff round. These series unfolded in a whirlwind, contributing a run through a double play. Correa and his
showcasing the unpredictable nature of postseason base- team now face a formidable opponent in the Astros, marking
ball. Let’s delve into the highlights of this action-packed a reunion with his former club.
round.
In the American League (AL), the Rangers clinched their
Wild Card Series Highlights series against the Rays with a commanding 7-1 victory.
The Wild Card Series began with a thrilling victory for the Nathan Eovaldi, despite late-season struggles, displayed
Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, marking their first playoff win remarkable form by pitching 6 2/3 innings, allowing only
since 2004. They wasted no time securing their first playoff one run while striking out eight without issuing any walks.
series win since 2002, defeating the Blue Jays in a decisive His career playoff ERA on the road, standing at 2.21, under-
2-0 Game 2. scored his postseason prowess. The Rangers celebrated
their first series win since 2011 and are set to face the
Pitcher Sonny Gray delivered a stellar performance, Orioles in the next round.
tossing five scoreless innings for the Twins. The Minnesota
staff displayed resilience by escaping crucial situations Over in the National League (NL), the Diamondbacks faced
unscathed. In the fifth inning, with two runners on base and an early deficit for the second consecutive game against the
two outs, Gray and Carlos Correa executed a brilliant pickoff Brewers but managed to turn the tide with a 5-2 victory. Zac
move to catch Vladimir Guerrero Jr. In the sixth, with the Gallen, after conceding two runs in the first inning, held his
bases loaded and just one out, Caleb Thielbar induced a ground for the next five innings. The Diamondbacks’ offense,
double play from Matt Chapman. initially stifled by Freddy Peralta, broke through with a run
in the fifth inning and an impressive four-run surge in the
All the scoring action took place in the fourth inning, with sixth. Paul Sewald sealed the deal by striking out William
Contreras, securing the win. The Diamondbacks are now
prepared to take on the formidable Dodgers in their next
matchup.
Lastly, the Phillies experienced a relatively drama-free
victory, with Aaron Nola pitching seven scoreless innings
and Bryson Stott’s grand slam in the sixth inning paving the
way for a 7-1 triumph over the Marlins. Philadelphia’s next
challenge awaits against the Braves.
What’s Next
With the Wild Card Series concluded, the stage is set for
the Divisional Series, scheduled to commence on Saturday.
Baseball enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting contin-
uation of the postseason journey. For a comprehensive
overview of the updated bracket and schedule, and insights
gleaned from the Wild Card Series, stay tuned for the
upcoming matchups and developments in MLB’s quest for
a champion.
