The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are set to face off in the National League Championship Series, following their respective victories in the Division Series. The New York Yankees, however, were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Dodgers Advance Behind Pages' Late Hit
The Dodgers secured their spot in the NLCS with a 4-1 victory over the Braves in Game 4. Despite struggles earlier in the postseason, outfielder Andy Pages delivered a series-sealing, two-run hit. Manager Dave Roberts expressed continued faith in Pages, who had been hitless in the first two games of the series. Pages' hit was the Dodgers' only one with a runner in scoring position during the series. Max Muncy contributed three home runs, including one in the ninth inning of Game 4 that provided insurance for closer Edwin Diaz.
Braves starter Tyler Mahle had limited the Dodgers through the first six innings. The decisive hit came in the eighth inning when Pages faced reliever Didier Fuentes with the bases loaded. The Dodgers will now face the Brewers in the NLCS for the second consecutive year.
Yankees Swept by Rays in ALDS
The Yankees' season concluded with a 4-3 loss to the Rays in Game 3 of their ALDS, resulting in a sweep. The decisive blow came from Rays left fielder Victor Mesa Jr., who hit a go-ahead, two-run home run off Yankees left-hander Max Fried. This marked Mesa's first career postseason home run. The Yankees' elimination highlights a recurring problem for the team in recent postseasons.
Tampa Bay will advance to the ALCS to face the winner of the White Sox-Guardians series, where Chicago currently holds a 2-1 advantage. The Rays' victory was fueled by contributions from players like Ryan Vilade, who hit a solo home run, his first career postseason hit.
Brewers' Approach Leads to NLCS Berth
The Milwaukee Brewers advanced to the NLCS with a 3-1 win over the Padres in Game 4, showcasing a contact-heavy offensive approach. The Brewers did not record a strikeout until their 29th batter of the game. Sal Frelick legged out an infield single, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Garrett Mitchell to open the scoring.
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run for the Padres, but the Brewers' offense responded. Relievers for the Padres pitched in multiple games, potentially leading to hitters facing increased familiarity. The Brewers' bullpen also contributed, with Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick driving in runs against recent-appearance relievers. The win snapped a 12-game postseason road losing streak for Milwaukee.
Guardians Stave Off Elimination Behind Ramírez
The Cleveland Guardians forced a decisive Game 4 against the White Sox by defeating them 9-3 in Game 3. José Ramírez was instrumental in the victory, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Ramírez also made a significant defensive play in the sixth inning, snagging a line drive with the bases loaded for the final out.
The Guardians' offense created pressure on the basepaths, going 5-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Manager Stephen Vogt highlighted Ramírez's all-around contribution, noting his impact with the bat, legs, and glove.