Now in the second round of the playoffs a trip to the World Series is on the line. But, looking back at the ALDS and NLDS, there are box scores that are more notable than others. Some teams headed into this series already have two or three games under their belt, but for other teams who earned a first round bye, based on seeding, this is the first playoff action that they’re seeing.
One team was able to keep their opponents to zero runs in a must win game. Another team was able to easily win against a divisional rival, setting them up well for the rest of the series. Lastly a team was able to pitch their opponents to only two runs in a game five 15-inning thriller. These are the top team pitching performances of the MLB divisional series.
3) Chicago Cubs vs. the Milwaukee Brewers (Game four)
Starter Matthew Boyd went 4.2 innings, not allowing a run to score. Four pitchers came in relief for the Cubs. In the 5.1 innings coming from the bullpen, one hit and zero runs. The Cubs ended the game with three hits allowed, four walks and eight strikeouts in a shutout performance.
The Cubs were backed up against the wall, down 2-1 in the series, needing a win to force a game five. Chicago proceeded to win with ease, picking up a 6-0 victory.To pitch a shutout in any MLB game is hard. To pitch a shutout in a playoff game is all the more impressive. Additionally, this was the second win in two days after being down 2-0 in the series. The Cubs lost game five though, eliminating them from the playoffs.
2) Blue Jays Vs New York Yankees (Game one)
Starting pitcher Kevin Gausman went 5.2 innings, allowing the only run of the game on a bases loaded walk. In relief, four Blue Jaypitchers recorded a combined two hits allowed and three strikeouts. Through nine innings, the Blue Jays allowed just six hits and one earned run. Toronto ended the game with six strikeouts and two walks.
For the Blue Jays to be able to pitch a performance like this in game one, coming off a first round bye, highlights this more. Additionally, the Yankees lineup is full of power and this season didn’t struggle to get base hits. The Blue Jays were able to keep their momentum, and won the series in four games. Winning the game 10-1, the Mariners are up next in the ALCS. Against the Mariners, expect to see similar results. Kevin Gausman, ALCS, will start the game.
1) Seattle Mariners Vs Detroit Tigers (Game five)
Starting pitcher George Kirby went 5.0 innings and gave up one run, allowing a double to Javier Baez. He was replaced by relief pitcher Gabe Speier after giving up the double, and he gave up a two-run home run to Kerry Carpenter. Five additional pitchers came into the game from the bullpen including two starting pitchers from the Mariners. The Mariners ended the game with eight hits allowed, 17 strikeouts and four walks in 15 innings.
Allowing a team to score only two runs in a playoff game is already difficult to do, but to do it in a 15-inning game makes it more notable. Additionally, the Mariners bullpen was already short several arms as Seattle had played four previous games in six days. The Mariners were able to force the Tigers to leave 10 runners on base, winning the game 3-2. Seattle is now facing the Blue Jays in the ALCS, where they have a 2-0 series lead. The Mariners have already taken game one and two on the road in Toronto, despite the taxed bullpen.
Expect teams to lean more heavily on starting pitchers since teams will need to win four of seven games ,instead of the three of five from the divisional series, meaning that bullpen arms will be working overtime. Look to see names such as Logan Gilbert, Blake Snell, Freddy Peralta and Trey Yesavage to have strong performances. The championship series started on Sunday and will continue through Oct. 21, as the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Brewers and the Blue Jays take on the Mariners. The winners will face each other in the World Series.
