Sunday was an exciting day as it could be for the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s regular season. However, despite a landslide 12-4 win over Baltimore, the Toronto Blue Jays have seen their 2021 season come to an end.
To force a tiebreaker, Charlie Montoyo’s men needed a boost from the other teams. They had to win, but that victory had to be combined with a loss to the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox.
The Yankees and Red Sox needed all their resources to win their respective games. The Bronx Bombers won 1-0 over the Tampa Bay Rays. For their part, the Red Sox erased a 5-1 deficit to win 7-5.
We will be treated to a Yankees-Red Sox shock tomorrow, in the best runner-up round in the American. The winner will face the Rays in the divisional playoffs starting Thursday.
The Mariners run out
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners were knocked out of the race after a 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
Scott Servais’ men simply ran out of gasoline in the tank. Too bad for Quebecer Abraham Toro and his teammates, who have had an inspiring journey in recent weeks.
National league
Best runner-up match
Cardinals St. Louis VS Los Angeles Dodgers
To analyse : The Dodgers are among the teams drafted despite 106 wins on the clock. They are the favorites to win this game. They have more depth than their opponents with the presence of Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Justin Turner and many others. At the mound, despite the loss of Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers are driving with Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler and Julio Urias. As for the Cards, they did not steal their participation in this meeting. They got it with a 17-game winning streak in September. The Cards have a good starting staff with veteran Adam Wainwright and youngster Jake Flaherty. At bat, it is the business of Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, who are well supported by their teammates. Not a devastating attack, but effective. Did the Cards play their best baseball too fast? It’s possible. They will have to play a low-scoring game to have a chance.
Division series (series 3 of 5)
Braves Atlanta VS Brewers Milwaukee
To analyse : This is a very interesting duel on paper. At first glance, we can expect a showdown where the pitchers will rule. Both teams finished in the top 10 in major league baseball in collective earned runs average. The Brewers have a slight advantage with Corbin Burnes, Adrian Houser, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta. The depth is there. They also count on an excellent succession with reliever Josh Hader in the lead. However, they don’t have the most terrifying attack. It’s a collective effort and they manage to put enough points on the scoreboard to win games. On the side of the Braves, they achieved a tour de force by winning the championship of the Eastern section without Ronald Acuna son or Marcell Ozuna. Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies have taken over, but they won’t be able to do everything in the playoffs. Freddie Freeman and Adam Duvall will have to get their hands dirty. At the mound, starters Max Fried, Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly have playoff experience. You can’t buy it at the corner store.
Winner of the Dodgers-Cards vs Giants San Francisco duel
To analyse : If the Dodgers overcome the Cards, we could be entitled to a clash between two teams that have won more than 100 games in 2021. The Giants have made all observers lie when they had to be spectators of the fight between the San Diego Dodgers and Padres. In the playoffs, they will be expected firmly. They will have to prove that their success in the regular season was no accident. Easier said than done. Once again, the Giants won’t have to stray from the recipe that made them successful. Everything goes through a collective effort.
Championship Series
Division Series Winners
American league
Best runner-up match
Yankees New York VS Red Sox Boston
To analyse : What could be better than a duel between the Yankees and the Red Sox to start the playoffs? A rivalry that has lasted for decades. However, this time, we will have to settle for one game. The Yankees have had a good streak in recent weeks. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton were once again the leaders of the Yankees. They will be the key in this game. Gerrit Cole will be the starter and his team must cross their fingers so that he throws up to his talent. As for the Red Sox, they had a roller coaster end to the season. They have played for .500 in their last ten games. They will have the home advantage and that will not hurt. The hero of the last game of the regular season, Rafael Devers, will have to continue his momentum. Hunter Renfroe and JD Martinez will also have to contribute. At the mound, will manager Alex Cora push the score by sending Chris Sale for a few innings with two days off? It would be daring.
Division series (series 3 of 5)
White Sox Chicago VS Astros Houston
To analyse : Scandal or not, the Astros have subscribed to the playoffs since 2017. This may be their last chance before the window closes. Their starting rotation is led by Lance McCullers, who has had a great season. On offense, the Astros can count on a core that is made up of Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. They face the White Sox who have had a checkered second half. Windy City representatives have the worst overseas record of any playoff qualifying team. It could be decisive in this duel. José Abreu is the cornerstone of the attack. The rotation of the starters and the back-up paddock carried the team into the first half. It is time for the launchers to find their bearings. And there’s manager Tony La Russa. He’s got more than one trick up his sleeve in the playoffs and he might need it.
Gagnant du duel Yankees-Red Sox VS Rays Tampa Bay
To analyse : Evil tongues will say the Rays would have five away games if they faced the Yankees. Bronx Bombers supporters are plentiful in Florida and they would make their presence felt at Tropicana Field. On the pitch, the Rays have nothing to envy the Yankees. They don’t have stars, but they are a tight-knit team. Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows and Randy Arozarena stand out on offense, but the Rays’ success is collective. At the mound, it’s the same thing. The pitchers work in committee to give the Rays a chance to win. We will see Michael Wacha, Josh Fleming and Shane McClanahan as starters in this series.
Championship Series
Division Series Winners
