MLB roundup: Tigers, Royals, Padres complete sweeps

Detroit Tigers Complete Stunning Sweep of Astros to Reach ALDS

Andy Ibáñez delivered in a crucial moment, producing a pinch-hit, two-out, three-run double in the eighth inning, propelling the Detroit Tigers to a 5-2 comeback victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday. This victory secured a stunning sweep in their American League wild-card series, sending the Tigers into the AL Division Series.

The Tigers will now face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS, with Game 1 set for Saturday in Cleveland. The unexpected victory over the Astros highlights Detroit’s resilience and determination, emphasizing their capability to challenge the odds in this postseason.

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Tigers’ Pitching Depth Shines

The Tigers demonstrated their pitching depth, utilizing six pitchers following opener Tyler Horton. Horton set the tone early, effectively keeping the Astros’ offense in check. The subsequent trio of Brenan Hanifee, Brant Hurter, and Beau Brieske maintained the pressure, combining with Horton to keep the Astros scoreless through the first six innings. Their efforts were a testament to a well-coordinated strategy of containing Houston’s powerful lineup.

Sean Guenther (1-0) stepped in and managed the seventh and part of the eighth inning, while Will Vest delivered an impeccable finish, tossing a perfect ninth to earn the save. The Tigers’ bullpen proved that even in high-pressure situations, they could stand firm against a formidable opponent like Houston.

Astros’ Early Dominance Fades

Houston’s starter Hunter Brown delivered an impressive outing, striking out nine while allowing only one run across 5 2/3 innings. Brown’s ability to mix pitches effectively limited the Tigers’ offense and gave Houston a 2-1 lead heading into the late innings. However, it was the Astros’ bullpen that faltered when it mattered most.

Reliever Ryan Pressly (0-1) was tagged with the loss after Josh Hader allowed Ibáñez’s critical three-run double, a blow that shifted the momentum in Detroit’s favor. The Astros, who have historically been a dominant postseason force, seemed to lose control in those late-game moments.

Royals Edge Orioles to Secure ALDS Berth

Bobby Witt Jr. continued his postseason heroics, delivering the game-winning RBI for the second consecutive day as the Kansas City Royals secured a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. This win completed a two-game sweep of their American League Division Series and set up a showdown with the top-seeded New York Yankees in the ALDS.

Bullpen Performance Proves Crucial for Royals

Kansas City relied on a combined bullpen effort to maintain their slim lead. Angel Zerpa (1-0), alongside four other relievers, put up 4 2/3 innings of scoreless work, displaying exceptional control under pressure. The Orioles’ offense, which had shown flashes of power during the regular season, was stifled by a determined Royals bullpen.

Lucas Erceg stepped in during the ninth inning to secure his second save in as many games, demonstrating Kansas City’s confidence in their bullpen’s ability to close out tight contests. Witt’s go-ahead hit in the sixth inning marked the turning point, capping off a game that was largely defined by strong pitching and clutch batting.

Orioles’ Efforts Fall Short

Baltimore’s Cedric Mullins briefly tied the game at 1-1 with a solo home run in the fifth inning, showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments. Unfortunately for the Orioles, Cionel Perez (0-1) struggled to keep Kansas City at bay in the following inning, ultimately leading to their elimination. Baltimore’s lack of run support and inability to capitalize on opportunities made the difference in this low-scoring affair.

Padres Defeat Braves in Nail-Biting Finish to Clinch NLDS Spot

The San Diego Padres utilized a powerful second inning to secure a 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves, clinching their National League wild-card series in two games. Kyle Higashioka’s early home run and additional RBI contributions from Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill powered the Padres to a commanding lead they never relinquished.

Big Second Inning Propels Padres

The Padres jumped ahead with a five-run explosion in the second inning, with Higashioka setting the tone. Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill both delivered key RBIs, ensuring that the Braves were left playing catch-up. Fernando Tatis Jr. contributed with three hits and a walk, proving instrumental in keeping Atlanta off balance.

Luis Arraez and Merrill each added two hits, providing stability as starter Joe Musgrove left the game due to elbow tightness in the fourth inning. Despite this setback, Bryan Hoeing (1-0) earned the win, with Robert Suarez stepping up to close out the game for the save.

Braves’ Late Rally Comes Up Short

Atlanta’s Michael Harris II fought back with three hits, including a dramatic two-run homer that cut into the Padres’ lead. Jorge Soler also went deep, but the early deficit proved insurmountable. Starter Max Fried (0-1) struggled, allowing five runs in just two innings, a performance that ultimately cost the Braves a chance to force a deciding third game. Despite their offensive power, Atlanta’s pitching failed to keep San Diego’s bats in check.

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Brewers Stay Alive with Eighth-Inning Heroics Against Mets

Garrett Mitchell delivered a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning, and rookie Jackson Chourio added two home runs of his own as the Milwaukee Brewers rallied for a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets. The Brewers managed to even their NL wild-card series at one win apiece, setting up a deciding Game 3.

Jackson Chourio Shines in High-Stakes Moment

Chourio wasted no time making an impact, blasting a solo home run in the first inning to give Milwaukee an early advantage. When the game reached a critical juncture in the eighth, Chourio rose to the occasion again, launching a 398-foot shot to right-center to tie the game at 3-3. His display of power added an electrifying element to the Brewers’ performance.

Garrett Mitchell followed suit, sending the next pitch over the center field wall to give Milwaukee a lead they would not relinquish. The back-to-back home runs were a testament to the Brewers’ resilience and ability to respond under pressure.

Bullpen Holds Off Mets’ Threats

Joe Ross (1-0) earned the victory with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, and Devin Williams closed the door with a perfect ninth, securing the win. The Mets’ Sean Manaea put up a decent effort, allowing two runs on six hits over five innings, but it wasn’t enough to keep Milwaukee’s relentless lineup in check.

Phil Maton (0-1) ultimately took the loss, struggling in the eighth inning, which cost the Mets an opportunity to gain control of the series. New York will now head into Game 3 with everything on the line, facing a confident Brewers team ready to capitalize on the momentum.