The 2023 MLB playoff field started with 12 teams, but the Marlins, Brewers, Blue Jays and Rays were eliminated in short fashion in the Wild Card Series. Other than money, why is the Wildcard round not just the one game sudden death matchup we all came to love? Honestly I thought it was the best day in baseball. But let's get into the meat of the weekend.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies both went on the road and took what some say are upsets wins over the Dodgers and Braves, Saturday. Arizona reminded everyone what can be “ Postseason Clayton Kershaw.” in the worst postseason start of his Hall of Fame career. The Diamondbacks put up six runs against the HOF bound Kershaw, who recorded just one out in the Game 1 start. He boasts a 162.00 ERA. Yes, I check my math and it's one sixty two. The Diamondbacks went on to win the game 11-2 and take a 1-0 lead in their series.
Meanwhile the Phillies used seven arms to shut down and shut out the Braves 3-0, A lineup that had put up 947 runs in the regular season. And had not been shut out at home since 2021. Impressive - Most impressive. Bryce Harper went 2-2 on the day with an RBI and a HR. and are up 1-0 in their series that continues tonight in the ATL.
On Saturday the Rangers walked into Camden Yards and stole game one on the bats of a pair of rookies. Josh Jung ( RBI double ) and Evan Carter ( Solo ( Home Run ) to vault the Rangers to a 3-0 victory. In game two the O’s jumped out to a 2-0 lead after an inning but the Rangers showed they were not here for a split and answered in the top of the second with five runs, and then added four more runs in their half of the third, all four coming by the way of a 419 foot Grand Slam off the bat of Mitch Garver. The Rangers won 11-8 and have the Orioles backs against the preverbal wall and the O's must win Tuesday down in Texas with the Rangers holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
The Twins down one game to none woke up on Sunday morning and chose violence. Minnesota Ace Pablo Lopez went out and threw seven shutout innings while striking out seven and scattering eight hits. Astros starter Framber Valdez wasn't as effective giving up seven hits and five runs in 4.1 innings of work. The Twins put up 6 runs in the first seven innings the Stro's cut the lead to 6-2 in the eighth on a Yordan Alvarez two run shot but that was as close as they would come as the Twins will go home with a split.
To call what happened this postseason shocking, well that would be disrespectful to all involved. Am i surprised the Orioles are down 2-0 none yes. Am i surprised Clayton Kershaw chose game one of a ALDS to have his worst outing maybe EVER, yep but shocked that the diamondbacks were capable of that offensive outburst, No. Can Texas close this out on Tuesday? sure, can the Twins ride their game two win to the ALCS ? possibly. And i have no doubt the dodgers and Braves can tie up their series’ tonight.