Not One, Not Two, Not Three…

10/12/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Diamondbacks Complete sweep the 100-win Dodgers (4-2); Astros Advance to Seventh Straight ALCS (3-2); Phillies Put Braves on the Ropes With Game 3 Victory (10-2)

Nothing in the MLB makes sense, besides the Astros of course. While Houston took care of business last night to get back to yet another ALCS, the Dodgers joined the Orioles as another 100-win team that’s been eliminated in the Divisional Series thus far. The only team remaining that eclipsed the century mark is the Braves. But unless they figure out how to stop the Phillies from mashing home runs, they will very likely be eliminated later tonight. It’s been upset city thus far, and I have no idea what to expect next.

NLCS Game 3: Diamondbacks def. Dodgers (4-2)

Another 100-win team bites the dust! Despite being the heavy favorites, the Dodgers have officially been swept by the young Diamondbacks, who are shockingly 5-0 this postseason. For the first time this series, LA made it out of the first inning unscathed, giving up zero runs. However, Arizona exploded for four solo homers in the third frame, making them the first team in MLB history to hit four homers in a single Postseason inning. Gabriel Moreno sent a ball oppo down the line for what was originally the historic fourth home run, but the umpires waived it off after review. On the very next pitch, he hit a tape measure shot 420 feet to cap off one of the most unbelievable innings in baseball history. The Dodgers rallied in the seventh to cut the deficit to two and had the tying run at the plate in the ninth, but they failed to capitalize. The Backs making the NLCS is surprising, but the Dodgers flaming out in the playoffs certainly isn’t. This defeat marks the third straight year that the Blue Crew has been eliminated by an opponent that finished with at least ten fewer wins than them in the regular season. ARI Wins Series (3-0)

ALDS Game 4: Astros def. Twins (3-2)

This game perfectly personified the Astros’ incredible run over the last seven years. Houston headed into a hostile environment against a Minnesota team that was fighting for their lives and soundly handled business. Jose Abreau hit his third homer in the last two games to put the ‘Stros ahead by two in the top of the fourth, and that was all the cushion they needed. After getting the ball with a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Pressly struck out the side to once again punch the Astros’ ticket to the ALCS in a date with the Texas Rangers. With this being the seventh straight year the team has reached the league championship series, it’s clear that the AL still runs through Houston. HOU Wins Series (3-1)

NLDS Game 3: Phillies def. Braves (10-2)

With the series shifting over to Philadelphia at one game apiece, both the Braves and Phillies were looking to take control with a pivotal game three. Atlanta actually jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after an Ozzie Albies RBI single in the top of the third, but it was short-lived. Philly immediately punched back with a six-run frame in the bottom of the third. Nick Castellanos got things started by belting a solo shot to knot the game at 1-1. A few minutes later, a three-run blast by Bryce Harper had the city shaking as Philly stormed ahead and never looked back. Harper and Castellanos both ended up hitting additional home runs later on as Philadelphia ended up tying a postseason record with six home runs total. The Phillies are now in the driver’s seat and are on the brink of eliminating the favored Braves for the second year in a row. PHI Leads Series (2-1)

ESPN: Bryce Harper h\Hits 2 of Phils’ 6 HRs, Stares Down Orlando Arcia

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