Following an eventful three days of play-in competition, featuring three decisive Game 3s, the MLB Division Series commenced Saturday, presenting four contests throughout the day.
Initially, the top-seeded Brewers overwhelmed the Cubs with an explosive beginning in a 9-3 triumph. Next, the Blue Jays unleashed their offensive might, tallying eight runs across the seventh and eighth innings en route to a 10-1 victory over the Yankees.
The 2024 World Series champion Dodgers were the lone team to secure a sweep (against the Reds) in the play-in round, and they face the Phillies in the day’s second-to-last game. Finally, the AL West champion Mariners welcome the Tigers, who overcame the Guardians in their play-in series to salvage a dramatic conclusion to the season.
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Blue Jays’ bats, pitching stifle Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays combined effective pitching with consistent hitting to dominate the New York Yankees 10-1 in Game 1 of the ALDS. Yankees pitcher Luis Gil failed to complete the fourth inning, as the Blue Jays managed four hits against him, including two solo home runs from Alejandro Kirk and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that provided Toronto with an early 2-0 advantage.
Through five innings, the Yankees struggled to counter Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman, who neutralized the aggressive Bronx Bombers’ bats. It wasn’t until the top of the sixth that he encountered difficulty, loading the bases with no outs. He managed to strike Aaron Judge out in an eight-pitch at-bat, and then he walked Cody Bellinger to give New York its only run of the game. Still facing trouble, Gausman induced a pop-out from Ben Rice before being replaced by Louis Varland, who faced Giancarlo Stanton with two outs and the bases still loaded. Varland increased his velocity and struck out Stanton with a 101-mph fastball to end the threat.
The Yankees’ bullpen, however, failed to contain the Blue Jays’ offense. Luke Weaver was unable to record an out while facing three batters, and then Fernando Cruz and Paul Blackburn were hit hard over the final two Toronto innings, with seven additional runs scoring on seven hits.
During the Blue Jays’ scoring surge in the seventh and eighth innings, Kirk hit his second home run to extend the lead and compound the Yankees’ troubles. Toronto now holds a 72-4 record this year when scoring at least five runs. Game 2 is scheduled to begin at 4:08 p.m. ET Sunday in Toronto.
Brewers smack Cubs 9-3 behind hot start
The top-seeded team in the National League certainly lived up to its billing Saturday, as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 9-3, fueled by a dominant first and second inning.
Although Cubs first baseman Michael Busch initiated the game with a solo home run, the Brewers quickly established a commanding lead. They surged to a 6-1 score after the first inning, courtesy of five RBI doubles and singles, and extended that lead to 9-1 in the second.
Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner each added solo home runs in the sixth and eighth innings, respectively, but it proved insufficient to overcome the damage inflicted by Milwaukee’s initial two frames. It didn’t benefit Chicago that Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta delivered an outstanding performance, recording nine strikeouts and allowing just four hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Milwaukee concluded the game with an impressive 13 hits and eight RBI. Three of those came from left fielder Jackson Chourio, who was removed from the game after the second inning due to hamstring tightness. Game 2 between Chicago and Milwaukee is set to commence at 9:08 p.m. ET Monday.
NLDS Game 1: Dodgers at Phillies, live on TBS
ALDS Game 1: Tigers at Mariners, 8:38 p.m. ET, FS1
MLB divisional round live blog
Follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more from Day 1 of the division series:
