Get ready for some fireworks on Friday, folks. The Detroit Tigers pulled off a jaw-dropping comeback against the Mariners, turning a 3-0 deficit into a 9-3 win. Yeah, you read that right. The bullpen may have had a meltdown early, but the Tigers' bats decided it was time to party like it’s 1968—the last time they scored nine in a postseason game.
This sets us up for a spicy game five. Detroit’s offense looks alive, and with Troy Melton putting in a strong showing on the mound, the Tigers are no longer just a feel-good story. Seattle now faces the pressure of a do-or-die matchup. The pitching matchup hasn’t been confirmed yet, but you better believe oddsmakers are taking a hard look at Detroit's offensive surge. The over could be the sneaky play here, especially if both pens are shaky again.
The Cubbies aren’t going quietly. After lighting up Brewers starter Prester early, Chicago’s bullpen threw a lock on the door and evened the series. Sure, the game had its quirks—a missed infield fly call and some heads-up defense—but the real takeaway is how the Cubs’ bullpen, despite being a who's-who of "who’s that," held firm when it mattered.
Game four is now upon us, and Christian Yelich is the man to watch. The slugger’s been heating up, and he’s the home run pick to click. Milwaukee needs him to go deep if they want to avoid getting bounced. Bettors should also note how fluid bullpen usage has become in this series. Don’t expect traditional ninth-inning roles here—managers are emptying the chamber early and often.
Looking for value? The Cubs might be worth a look as underdogs again, especially if they jump out to another early lead. And yes, Yelich to go yard is officially on the radar.
Clayton Kershaw’s postseason nightmares just won’t quit. The Dodgers legend came out of the bullpen and got lit up like a Christmas tree by the Phillies. Final score? 8-2. That might’ve been the final postseason outing for Kershaw, whose playoff ERA continues to cast a shadow over an otherwise Hall-of-Fame career.
On the flip side, the Phillies are looking dangerous. Nola and Suarez both pitched effectively, Schwarber cranked yet another postseason homer (he’s now third all-time), and JT Realmuto added a solo rocket of his own. Bryce Harper scored on a throwing error, and the Phillies capitalized on every Dodgers mistake.
Now heading into Game 4, the Dodgers are still favored, but the Phillies are starting to look like the team of destiny. Cristopher Sánchez is taking the mound for Philly, while Tyler Glasnow—who hasn’t made a postseason start yet—will handle duties for LA. The Phillies as a live dog? Absolutely. And the over at 7.5 runs? That’s looking mighty tasty with these bats heating up.
The Blue Jays took down the Yankees 5-2, and honestly, it could’ve been worse for New York. Toronto’s offense, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., continues to rake. The decision to pitch to Vlad in the first inning backfired badly, and from there, it was a mix of defensive miscues and poor situational hitting that doomed the Yanks.
Ernie Clement chipped in with another solid day at the plate, and Nathan Lucas came through with a clutch two-hit performance. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ bats seemed allergic to clutch hits. Trent Grisham froze on a 3-2 slider down Broadway, and Jason Dominguez, while promising, hasn’t made much of an impact just yet.
This game was a microcosm of the Yankees' season without Aaron Judge: a lot of swing-and-miss, not much on-base. Toronto, with its old-school approach and deep lineup, looks like a team built for October. If you’re eyeing future matchups, the Blue Jays are a tough out. The Tigers might struggle against them, but Seattle could give them a run if they advance.
Looking for a complete guide on how to bet on baseball? The OddsIndex MLB Betting Guide brings you the perfect no-nonsense guide with an in-depth look into the sport, strategy, and available sportsbooks.
Rookie Cam Sletler dazzled with eight shutout innings and 12 strikeouts to lead the Yankees past the Red Sox and into the AL Division Series. The Yankees’ strong pitching and timely hitting set the stage for a high-stakes showdown against the Blue Jays, while other intense MLB playoff matchups are heating up, including Cubs vs. Brewers and Phillies vs. Dodgers.
The Blue Jays dominated the Yankees with powerful hitting and strong pitching, taking a 2-0 ALDS lead. The Dodgers showcased depth and pitching strength against the Phillies, while the Brewers crushed the Cubs early in their series. Seattle celebrated a historic playoff win, riding momentum and solid pitching to upset Detroit. October baseball is heating up with key betting insights on each series.
That’s your full plate of playoff baseball for the day. Grab your popcorn, lock in your picks, and enjoy the chaos. October baseball never disappoints—unless you’re a Yankees fan.