Dodgers Survive Wild 11-Inning Thriller, Advance to NLCS

Dodgers March On, Phillies Left in Shock

In a game that could only be described as pure October chaos, the Dodgers outlasted the Phillies in 11 innings to punch their ticket to the NLCS. Tyler Glasnow and Christopher Sanchez both threw six shutout innings, setting a tense tone early. Nick Castellanos broke through with an RBI double in the top of the 7th to give Philly a 1-0 lead. But mistakes and missed chances came back to haunt them.

In the bottom of the 7th, the Dodgers loaded the bases and tied the game with a walk to Mookie Betts. Then came the bottom of the 11th. With the bases loaded, Andy Pages hit a slow comebacker to pitcher Orion Kerkering, and what should’ve been a routine out turned into a nightmare. Confusion reigned, and the Dodgers walked it off, 2-1. Phillies fans will be haunted by that play for a long time.

Philly’s offense went cold at the worst time. Big names like Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper struggled mightily in the series. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani didn’t look sharp at the plate either, but the Dodgers’ deep roster and smart pitching carried them through. They now await their NLCS opponent, with time to rest and regroup.

Brewers vs Cubs: Game 5 Showdown

The Brewers and Cubs are locked in a classic playoff battle, with Game 5 looming large. Milwaukee forced a decider thanks to a dominant 9-3 win led by Riley Green’s clutch homer and a solid bullpen effort. Despite their lack of home run power, the Brewers keep finding ways to win with timely hitting and smart bullpen management.

The Cubs have leaned on the bats of Ian Happ and Michael Busch, while pitchers like Matthew Boyd and Aaron Ashby have had their moments. Milwaukee’s rotation has dealt with injuries, but their bullpen roles are well defined. The Cubs are flashier and spendier, but Milwaukee is scrappy and efficient.

This one could come down to a single swing or a managerial decision—classic playoff baseball. While the Brewers may have the edge in depth, don’t count out a Cubs team that’s been tough all year. This is one you’ll want to keep your eye on for live betting opportunities. Think late-inning drama, and maybe even extras.

Tigers and Mariners Set for Game 5: Skubal vs the World

The Tigers forced a Game 5 against the Mariners with a huge comeback win, and now it’s left to Tarik Skubal to carry them across the finish line. Skubal has been lights out lately, but he’s also been the victim of poor run support. He’s got deGrom syndrome: elite pitching, no help from the bats.

Seattle’s lineup has been inconsistent, but the top of the order is due. JP Crawford has a good track record against Skubal and might be a sneaky prop play for a single. The Mariners also have the better rotation overall, with George Kirby and Logan Gilbert ready to pick up the slack if needed. Their bullpen is a bit shaky, but Seattle might bridge the gap using starters in relief roles.

Detroit is favored at -140, but many sharp bettors are leaning Seattle at +120. The over 5.5 runs at -121 is getting attention too, especially since both lineups have shown signs of life. If Skubal doesn't go deep, Detroit could be in trouble. Look for Seattle to take advantage with timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.

Blue Jays Soar Past Yankees, Vlad Leads the Way

The Blue Jays dismantled the Yankees in a series that felt more like a mismatch than a rivalry. Toronto’s offense was relentless, putting the ball in play and pressuring Yankee pitching. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looked every bit like a postseason MVP, showing poise and leadership in big moments.

The Yankees, meanwhile, looked like a team stuck in neutral. Aaron Judge had his moments but couldn’t carry the offense. Missed opportunities and weak at-bats defined their postseason. The bullpen was unreliable, and the lineup had too many free outs. The offseason questions are already swirling in the Bronx. Is Aaron Boone safe? Can the front office fix this mess?

Toronto now moves on to the ALCS, with a deep bullpen and a balanced lineup that can hit for power and average. They’ll likely face either Detroit or Seattle, and they probably prefer the Tigers, given Seattle’s stronger rotation. But with Vladie locked in and the pitching doing just enough, Toronto is a real threat to win it all.

Takeaways

• The Dodgers are heading to the NLCS after a wild 11-inning win over the Phillies. Bet on their depth and bullpen stability moving forward.
• Game 5 between the Brewers and Cubs is a toss-up. Milwaukee might edge it on bullpen depth, but the Cubs’ bats are dangerous.
• Tigers vs Mariners Game 5 is all about Skubal. If he’s not dominant, Seattle’s value at +120 becomes tempting. Bet the over 5.5 runs too.
• The Blue Jays are the hottest team in the postseason. Vlad Guerrero Jr. is playing like a superstar, and Toronto could be ALCS-bound favorites depending on the matchup.
• The Yankees are out, and the questions are just beginning. Keep an eye on offseason moves, especially in the bullpen and lineup construction.