The MLB Wild Card round continues with very dramatic outcomes. Three teams punched their tickets to the Division Series, and one is heading to a Game 3 to settle the series.
The Milwaukee Brewers squeaked their way into keeping their season’s postseason alive with a crucial Game 2 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Down after losing Game 1, the Brewers did well on both ends with timely hitting and solid pitching to square the series at 1-1, which will set up an interesting Game 3 for the winner to advance to the National League Division Series.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers surprised the defending champion Houston Astros by sweeping them. They made a comeback to take Game 2, 5-2, and sent themselves into the Division Series for the first time since 2014. The Detroit bullpen shut down the Astros’ lineup, as well as a go-ahead three-run, eighth-inning double by Andy Ibáñez sealed the game.
The Kansas City Royals move on also, having swept the Baltimore Orioles. The Kansas City offense was all that was clicking in a 6-1 win. Evaluating the situation, Loving the role of the underdog, the Royals are now looking forward to their next challenge in the American League Division Series. Bobby Witt Jr. led the way with two home runs.
The San Diego Padres advanced in the National League after a 5-4 thriller over the Atlanta Braves. San Diego used their stars as Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. both supplied big hits to deliver the knockout punch. The bullpen helped the Padres protect a one-run lead against a late Atlanta Braves rally for the win and a ticket into the Division Series.
As that wild-card round trudges on, the Brewers and the Mets will host a do-or-die Game 3, while the Tigers, Royals, and Padres will await their Division Series contests.
