By William Burns
Postseason baseball started Oct. 2, with the National League wildcard game between the Colorado Rockies (91-72) and the Chicago Cubs (95-68). Colorado outlasted the Cubs in a 13-inning nail-biter of a game, finally winning the contest 2-1. The wildcard is a win-or-go-home game to determine who gets the fourth seed in the League playoffs.
Wildcard teams are chosen after the top teams in each division are given the top three seeds, then the two next best teams based on record get to play off for the fourth spot. The American League wildcard was Oct. 3 between the New York Yankees and the Oakland Athletics. New York struck fast and often, sparked by a two-run homer off the bat of Aaron Judge and cruised to a 7-2 victory to seal a rivalry series against the Boston Red Sox.
The National League Division Series begins Oct. 4 and features the Atlanta Braves Vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are the higher seed thus getting to start the five-game series at home, following a two home, two away, one home format for the higher seed. Atlanta planned on rebuilding this year for the club, but with impressive performances from rookie players, Atlanta won its division.
Colorado, who won the wildcard game, got one day off before they start their Division Series with the Milwaukee Brewers, with the Brewers getting home field advantage. Milwaukee posted 96 wins on the season and closed out with a 9-1 win-loss record, coming in hot to the Divisional Series.
The American League Division Series starts Oct. 5 and will feature the Cleveland Indians Vs. the Houston Astros. Houston finished the year with the second most wins in baseball at 103, behind the Boston Red Sox (108), but easily securing the home-field advantage over the Cleveland Indians (91). The second matchup of the American League shows off the top overall team in baseball, the Boston Red Sox Vs. the fourth-seeded New York Yankees (100). Boston had a very impressive year, finishing the season with a record of 108 wins and 54 losses; five wins better than any other team.
This year the American League far outclassed the National League, owning the four best records in the win column: Boston, Houston, the New York Yankees and Oakland, respectively. That being said, all stats and records from the regular season go out the door and teams start fresh. All teams have one goal in mind: Get. That. Trophy.
