The Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs showcased some exciting baseball this past week, with elite pitching performances, one-run contests, and stars coming through in big moments. Thursday night’s Game 3 between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers was a true postseason epic, with back-to-back homers, a game-extending blast from Pete Alonso, and a game-ending double play by Francisco Lindor.
One key takeaway from the Wild Card round was the importance of Game 1, as the team winning the first game went on to win all 12 series. Home-field advantage also seemed to matter less, with the home team winning only nine out of 20 Wild Card series since 2020.
Teams like the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets found success by relying on ace pitching in Game 1 and strong bullpen performances in Game 2, leading to sweeps in their respective series. The AL Central, often considered weaker, had success in the Wild Card round, with three out of the four remaining AL teams coming from that division.
Surprising performances from lesser-known players, like Kyle Higashioka, Garrett Mitchell, and Brice Turang, also made an impact in the Wild Card round, showing that October is a time when even the most anonymous big leaguer can shine.
Overall, the Wild Card round provided thrilling moments and surprising outcomes, setting the stage for more exciting postseason action to come.
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