MLB 2024 Postseason: Game Highlights, Scores & Epic Matchups

Written by Published
Join the Debate
 The Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason kicked off with plenty of intensity on Tuesday, October 1, as the Wild Card Series got underway. Teams were fired up, fans were packed in, and the atmosphere was electric as contenders battled for their spot in the next round. The American League lineup was already set, but over in the National League, there was still suspense on the eve of the postseason. With three teams left fighting for two remaining playoff spots, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
 

Let's dive into how the playoff bracket shaped up, the exhilarating highlights, and the thrilling matchups that brought fans to their feet throughout October. And if you're a baseball enthusiast, be sure to keep reading for the key moments from each round of this nail-biting postseason!

National League and American League Set the Stage for Drama

In the lead-up to the Wild Card Series, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves split an electrifying doubleheader at Truist Park on the final Monday before the playoffs. The Mets’ Francisco Lindor hit a crucial two-run homer in the ninth inning of Game 1, clinching an 8-7 victory and punching the Mets’ ticket to the postseason. The Braves, however, weren’t about to back down, shutting out the Mets in Game 2 with a 3-0 win that secured their spot as well. The Mets then prepared to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card round, while the Braves geared up for a clash with the San Diego Padres.

Over in the American League, two teams earned their first-round byes. The New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians topped the standings as the league’s No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively. The Houston Astros, drawing a matchup against the Detroit Tigers, and the Baltimore Orioles, squaring off with the Kansas City Royals, each looked to advance from their Wild Card Series into the heated postseason race.

Wild Card Series Kicks Off with Tense Matchups

The Wild Card Series began on October 1, and every game was a must-watch event. Here’s a look at how each matchup unfolded in this first round of the postseason:

  • Game 1 Highlights

    • Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros: The Tigers pulled ahead with a stunning 3-1 victory in Game 1.
    • Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles: Kansas City edged out the Orioles with a 1-0 win, setting the stage for a potential sweep.
    • New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers: The Mets triumphed over the Brewers 8-4 in Game 1.
    • San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves: Padres took control early, beating the Braves 4-0.

  • Series Concluding Games

    • In Game 2, the Tigers knocked out the Astros, winning 5-2 and taking the series. Meanwhile, the Royals clinched their spot, winning 2-0 over the Orioles.
    • The Mets and Brewers needed a decisive Game 3 after Milwaukee bounced back, and the Mets ultimately prevailed with a 4-2 victory, moving on to face the Phillies in the Division Series.
    • The Padres defeated the Braves 5-4 in Game 2, completing the sweep and booking their spot in the next round.

Division Series Intensifies the Competition

The Division Series began on Saturday, October 5, where the stakes grew even higher and fans watched anxiously as teams vied for a shot at the League Championship.

  • American League Matchups

    • Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers: The Guardians swept Game 1 with a resounding 7-0 victory, and though the Tigers managed a win in Game 2, the Guardians ultimately triumphed, securing the series.
    • New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals: The Yankees opened with a close 6-5 win and eventually clinched the series in Game 4, defeating the Royals 3-1.

  • National League Showdowns

    • New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies: The Mets stormed to an early lead, winning Game 1 with a 6-2 finish. Despite the Phillies’ efforts, the Mets closed out the series in Game 4 with a 4-1 win.
    • Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres: The Dodgers claimed Game 1 with a 7-5 victory, but the Padres kept things competitive. Ultimately, the Dodgers sealed their place in the League Championship with a 3-2 series win.

League Championship Series: The Quest for the Pennant

Now we entered the League Championship Series, with only two teams left in each league fighting for the coveted pennant. The atmosphere was electric, and each game delivered its fair share of drama:

  • National League Championship
    • Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets: The Dodgers took control in Game 1 with a 9-0 blowout but saw the Mets battle back to tie the series in Game 2. The Dodgers ultimately prevailed in six games, winning 4-2 and securing their place in the World Series.
  • American League Championship
    • New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians: The Yankees came out strong, winning Game 1 and Game 2. The Guardians put up a fight in Game 3, but the Yankees pulled ahead, closing the series in Game 5 with a 5-2 win.

World Series: Dodgers vs. Yankees in a Battle of Titans

The long-anticipated World Series matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees kicked off on Friday, October 25. Fans of both teams filled the stands, and the tension was palpable as these two powerhouse teams squared off. Here’s how the World Series played out:

  • Game 1: The Dodgers took the first game 6-3, demonstrating their power and setting the tone.
  • Game 2: Another win for the Dodgers, who defeated the Yankees 4-2, now leading 2-0.
  • Game 3: Back in Los Angeles, the Dodgers claimed another victory, winning 4-2 and extending their lead to 3-0.
  • Game 4: With the Yankees facing elimination, they roared back with an 11-4 win, avoiding the sweep and keeping the series alive.

The series was set for a dramatic conclusion. Game 5 was scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, in New York, with the Yankees aiming to stay in the fight. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 would shift back to Los Angeles, giving the Dodgers a chance to close out the series on their home field.

Upcoming Game Highlights

  • Game 5: Dodgers at Yankees, October 30 at 8:08 p.m. ET (broadcast on FOX)
  • Game 6 (if necessary): Yankees at Dodgers, November 1, 8:08 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Game 7 (if necessary): Yankees at Dodgers, November 2, 8:08 p.m. ET, FOX

As the MLB postseason moves toward its grand finale, fans everywhere are eagerly watching to see who will emerge as the 2024 World Series Champion. Will the Dodgers clinch their victory on the road, or will the Yankees force a Game 7 in this all-time classic matchup?

More in this category: « Anthony Volpe’s Heroic Grand Slam Sparks Yankees' World Series Comeback Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Passionate Takeover: Leading Manchester United Through Transition »
back to top