With the MLB wild-card round complete, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds are entering the fray. The Orioles, Astros, Braves and Dodgers all begin their postseason journeys with LDS Game 1s on Saturday. Some were more successful than others.
The Orioles ran into the Rangers’ newfound momentum in their ALDS Game 1. The playoff energy at Camden Yards was off the charts, but even so, Texas eked out a 3-2 victory on the strength of just enough offense and just enough pitching.
The Twins won their first playoff game since 2004 with a Game 1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, then completed the sweep in Game 2.The defending World Series champion Astros turned out to be a different animal. Two homers from Yordan Alvarez and six scoreless innings from Justin Verlander led the way for Houston in a 6-4 Game 1 win.
The Braves, easily MLB’s best hitting team in the regular season, were shut down by the Phillies in a 3-0 win, with Ranger Suarez and the Philadelphia bullpen combining for a brilliant performance. Bryce Harper contributed a homer, while another run came on a questionable catcher’s interference call that led to Atlanta fans throwing trash onto the field.
Both the Orioles and Twins will attempt to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday, while the Braves will have to wait until Monday.
With all four Game 1s on Saturday, you can sit back, relax and watch a full day of playoff baseball action. Not a bad way to spend the weekend.
Follow along as Yahoo Sports provides the latest scores, news and injuries during the first day of ALDS and NLDS action.