The Seattle Mariners are one win away from reaching the ALCS for the first time since 2001 after ...

<p>The Seattle Mariners are one win away from reaching the ALCS for the first time since 2001 after defeating the Detroit Tigers 8-4 in Tuesday's Game 3 at Comerica Park.</p><p>The Tigers entered the ninth inning trailing 8-1 before plating three runs against Mariners left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10333" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10333">Caleb Ferguson</a>. Seattle manager Dan Wilson brought in closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10823" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10823">Andrés Muñoz</a>, who got the game's final three outs.</p><p>Mariners first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> made a game-ending double play to cap the contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mariners</a> take a 2-1 series lead in Detroit! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/4vcqV3QSly">pic.twitter.com/4vcqV3QSly</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1975743375060984285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3362">Eugenio Suárez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4253" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4253">J.P. Crawford</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> homered for Seattle, with four of its eight runs coming off Tigers starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a>, who took the loss for Detroit.</p><p>"Credit to our guys," Raleigh told <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1975746900285338059">MLB Network's Jon Morosi</a> after the win. "It was a relentless effort."</p><p>Mariners right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12376" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12376">Logan Gilbert</a> was solid for Seattle, allowing four hits and one earned run with seven strikeouts over six innings to earn the victory.</p><p>"From a game-plan standpoint, I was trying to be aggressive," Gilbert told <a href="https://x.com/MLBONFOX/status/1975744173560242246">Tom Verducci of Fox Sports</a> postgame.</p><p>"The slider felt really good. I was in the zone quite a bit. Just trying to make them put it in play where good things can happen."</p><p>Game 4 begins at 3:08 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Detroit. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10561">Casey Mize</a> is scheduled to start for the Tigers opposite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15727">Bryce Miller</a> for the Mariners. </p><p> </p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 07: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners is congratulated by Cal Raleigh #29 after scoring a run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning in game three of the American League Division Series at Comerica Park on October 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Mariners beat Tigers in Game 3 to move within 1 win of ALCS

Bryce Harper took no issue with Philadelphia Phillies fans booing during the team's Game 2 loss t...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a> took no issue with Philadelphia Phillies fans booing during the team's Game 2 loss to fall behind 2-0 in the National League Division Series.</p><p>"I boo myself when I get out. I'm the same way," Harper said Tuesday. "I trust in what they do. They show up for us every day, day in and day out.</p><p>"So, if we deserve to be booed ... they spend their hard-earned dollar to come watch us play; they expect greatness out of us and I expect greatness out of myself and my teammates as well. ... We've got some of the best fans in baseball. They make me play better. I enjoy it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I boo myself”<br><br>🔥 Bryce Harper balks at notion Phillies fans can be against them when playing poorly at home<br><br>“I don’t feel that way. I love playing at the bank… if they believe that, I don’t know what’s going through their head… we’ve got some of the best fans in Baseball” <a href="https://t.co/LX5YU36C1f">pic.twitter.com/LX5YU36C1f</a></p>— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffSkversky/status/1975688709673456097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Harper's comments came after some of his teammates discussed the challenges of playing at Citizens Bank Park.</p><p>"I think that the stadium is good on both sides," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> said, according to <a href="https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-vs-dodgers-game-2-nick-castellanos-phillies-fans-nlds/688415/?cid=sm_npd_rsn_phi_twt_mn">Bob Cooney of NBC Sports Philadelphia</a>. </p><p>"When the game is going good, it's wind at our back. When the game is not going good, it's wind at our face. So, the environment can be with us, and the environment can be against us."</p><p>The Phillies have struggled at home lately, losing four of their last seven games - including the postseason.</p><p>If the Phillies can beat the Dodgers in Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles, they'll need to close out the series in front of their home fans in Game 5. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4814" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4814">Trea Turner</a> is confident in that outcome.</p><p>"We've won three games in a row before, we've swept good teams," Turner said.</p><p>"We've played good baseball. We got to find that. We've got to find it quick. I feel like we've played pretty decent these last two games, we just haven't had enough to get the win. I don't feel like we're really beating ourselves. We're playing good defense, we're getting some hits here and there. It just doesn't seem like enough each step of the way."</p><p>Game 3 of the NLDS gets underway Wednesday at 9:08 p.m. ET.</p><p> </p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout after striking out during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Harper defends hostile Phillies fans: 'I boo myself'

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win away from advancing to the National League Championship Serie...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win away from advancing to the National League Championship Series after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 in Monday's Game 2.</p><p>"That was a heck of a ball game. Lots to unpack in that one," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=213278">ASAP Sports</a>. "To come away with a win right there, huge, huge momentum maintainer. So looking forward to getting back home."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> earned the win for the Dodgers after tossing six innings of one-hit ball and striking out nine.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Snell's performance marks the fourth time he's recorded nine or more strikeouts with less than two hits allowed in a postseason game, which is the most by any pitcher in playoff history, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1975356761935913303">Opta Stats</a>.</p><p>"I thought Blake threw a heck of a ball game," Roberts said.</p><p>Los Angeles scored four runs in the seventh inning after chasing Phillies starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8272">Jesús Luzardo</a>. The left-hander retired 18 straight batters before allowing back-to-back hits to begin the seventh.</p><p>"He was getting ahead. He was attacking. The slider was really good," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. "The changeup was good. Fastball had a lot of life. Battling a little bit of a jam in the first inning, and then he rolled from there. He was fantastic."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Will Smith delivers a MASSIVE two-run single <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NLDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NLDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mNzXPiwM7X">pic.twitter.com/mNzXPiwM7X</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1975351715366146226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Phillies made things interesting by scoring one run in the eighth and adding two in the ninth off the Dodgers' bullpen, but they couldn't secure the come-from-behind win.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> was thrown out at third base with no outs in the ninth after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12413" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12413">Bryson Stott</a> attempted to move him over from second with a bunt. Pinch hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5438">Harrison Bader</a> hit a single in the next at-bat before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3559" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3559">Max Kepler</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4814" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4814">Trea Turner</a> both grounded out to end the game.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1412">Freddie Freeman</a> made a game-saving pick at first base for the final out after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9695" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9695">Tommy Edman</a> spiked a throw.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FREDDIE FREEMAN SAVES THE DAY<a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DODGERS</a> TAKE GAME 2 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NLDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NLDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/rsEsKiu9OV">pic.twitter.com/rsEsKiu9OV</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1975369779574939890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Thankfully, I was able to catch it and stay on the base," Freeman said.</p><p>The defending World Series champions head to Los Angeles seeking one victory on their home turf to advance to their fourth NLCS since 2020.</p><p>"They fought like hell, and hopefully that carries over into Wednesday," Thomson said. "But this is a resilient group. Our backs are against the wall. We've just got to come out fighting."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> will take the hill for the Dodgers in Game 3. The Phillies will start <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4777" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4777">Aaron Nola</a> with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a> relieving him out of the bullpen. </p><p>"Nola has never pitched out of the pen. How long he goes, I don't know. I trust him," Thomson said.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Enrique Hernandez #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is congratulated by Shohei Ohtani #17 after scoring a run during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Dodgers put Phillies on brink of elimination with Game 2 win

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says he's feeling good about how his team h...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> says he's feeling good about how his team has started the ALDS against the New York Yankees, but he isn't letting the results affect his focus ahead of Game 3.</p><p>"My emotions are neutral right now," Guerrero said Monday with the Blue Jays leading the series 2-0, according to <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=213252">ASAP Sports</a>.</p><p>"It's not time to celebrate. It's not time to put your head down. It's not over. There's a lot of work to do still. Until we win the third game, then I guess emotions will be different and we'll celebrate."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blue Jays outscored the Yankees 23-8 across the first two games of the division series in Toronto, where Guerrero was 6-for-9 with three runs scored and two homers.</p><p>One of his round-trippers was a mammoth grand slam in Game 2.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="nl" dir="ltr">VLADDY SLAM!!!!!!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALDS</a> <a href="https://t.co/tOchTWRUOa">pic.twitter.com/tOchTWRUOa</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1974948381945733375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Despite the Blue Jays' dominance over the Yankees, Guerrero said his previous postseason experience has taught him never to take your foot off the gas or get too confident.</p><p>"Baseball will teach you that," the 26-year-old said.</p><p>"Obviously, you cannot celebrate before things happen. You really have to wait for things to happen and keep staying focused, keep working hard. Then if you win, then you celebrate."</p><p>Guerrero and the Blue Jays have already landed in New York for Game 3, set for Tuesday at 8:08 p.m. ET. The team had an optional workout day on Monday, which Guerrero said everyone attended.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Today was optional for everyone here, and we're all here."<br><br>Vladdy says the entire team showed up for today's optional workout, which shows how different this Jays squad is compared to past years 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/GVABs7q4Ol">pic.twitter.com/GVABs7q4Ol</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1975267284399591452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a> gets the starting nod for the Blue Jays opposite lefty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4763">Carlos Rodón</a> for the Yankees.</p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 05: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after a grand slam during the fourth inning in game two of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on October 05, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Guerrero: It's not time for Blue Jays to celebrate just yet

The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1 in Thursday's Game 3 of the National League wi...

<p>The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1 in Thursday's Game 3 of the National League wild-card series to advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CUBS</a> HANG ON AND ADVANCE! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLINCHED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLINCHED</a> <br><br>(MLB x <a href="https://twitter.com/budweiserusa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BudweiserUSA</a>) <a href="https://t.co/Q7BHeXkOQp">pic.twitter.com/Q7BHeXkOQp</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973903944331231545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Chicago will play in the NLDS for the first time since 2017, when it advanced to the NLCS before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.</p><p>"It's going to be a great atmosphere," Cubs manager Craig Counsell said postgame, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/padres-cubs-score-mlb-playoffs-0f031ff6ee5fc07351412c1631b100ea">Jay Cohen of The Associated Press</a>. "It's Cubs-Brewers. That's going to be as good as it gets. It's always a great atmosphere when the two teams play each other."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12484" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12484">Michael Busch</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a> had three hits each in the victory. The former sent a charge through Wrigley Field with a loud home run in the seventh inning.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MICHAEL BUSCH.<br><br>GOODBYE! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POSTSEASON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POSTSEASON</a> <a href="https://t.co/qMIRao3NQW">pic.twitter.com/qMIRao3NQW</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973892014094889068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's just the next step for us," Busch said. "You set out a goal before each and every year to do stuff like this, and you celebrate it, and it's been fun to celebrate and continue to celebrate it tonight, but there's a lot of work ahead."</p><p>Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2918" href="/mlb/players/2918">Jameson Taillon</a> allowed two hits with four strikeouts over four shutout innings to begin the contest before the Cubs used five different relievers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13748" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13748">Daniel Palencia</a> picked up the win, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5892" href="/mlb/players/5892">Andrew Kittredge</a> locked down the save in his third straight appearance in the series.</p><p>Padres starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> lasted just one inning in the winner-take-all game, surrendering two earned runs on four hits with one strikeout.</p><p>San Diego's only run came in the ninth inning via a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14111" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14111">Jackson Merrill</a> solo homer. </p><p>Chicago went 7-6 against the NL Central-winning Brewers this season.</p><p> </p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 2: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates in the clubhouse after winning Game Three of the National League Wild Card Game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on October 2, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Cubs bounce Padres to set up NLDS vs. Brewers

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 in Thursday's Game 3 of the American Leag...

<p>The Detroit Tigers defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 in Thursday's Game 3 of the American League wild-card series and will play the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS.</p><p>Detroit heads to the ALDS for the second straight campaign. It lost to the Guardians in last year's division series.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tigers</a> are heading to the ALDS for a second straight season! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLINCHED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLINCHED</a> <a href="https://t.co/WTWmx6rS5O">pic.twitter.com/WTWmx6rS5O</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973871485392699727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12326" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12326">Dillon Dingler</a> hit a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead before they plated four more runs in the seventh. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Guardians made it interesting in the eighth, scoring two after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4066" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4066">José Ramírez</a> reached first on a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12586">Will Vest</a> error. Ramírez was ruled out at second on the same play - following a video review - thanks to Vest recovering from his mistake to make a terrific throw.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a recovery from Will Vest 😳😳 <a href="https://t.co/o6B5w4aoOs">pic.twitter.com/o6B5w4aoOs</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1973868264175645058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8441" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8441">Kyle Finnegan</a> earned the win for Detroit after coming in to relieve starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a>, who allowed three hits and one earned run over 4 2/3 innings. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12320">Joey Cantillo</a> took the loss for the Guardians.</p><p>"You have to earn these wins. You have to earn the opportunity to play in October. You've got to earn a full series win over a good team," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1973885203501170854">MLB Network</a>.</p><p>"I'm so proud of our team. You've got to fight, and we did, and we have to continue to do that."</p><p>Cleveland ends its season after soaring back to steal the AL Central crown from the Tigers, who led the division by 15.5 games on July 8.</p><p>"That stings. It stings for it to end that way. I couldn't be more proud of them, of what we accomplished, but it's not enough," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1973877168938590593">said</a> after the loss.</p><p>"We want more."</p><p>Game 1 of the ALDS begins Saturday in Seattle. The Mariners won the regular-season series 4-2 over the Tigers.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 02: Members of the Detroit Tigers celebrate a win after Game Three of the American League Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Thursday, October 2, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Tigers head to ALDS after eliminating Guardians

The Los Angeles Dodgers included catcher Will Smith on the roster for their wild-card series agai...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers included catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8289" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8289">Will Smith</a> on the roster for their wild-card series against the Cincinnati Reds although he's been sidelined with a hand injury since mid-September.</p><p>Smith is one of three catchers on the roster and is expected to be available off the bench as a pinch hitter, a source told <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/1973063531575808278">The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya</a>. However, manager Dave Roberts didn't rule out the three-time All-Star being able to start behind the plate in Game 2, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1973146056109244822">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><p>The 30-year-old backstop resumed swinging over the weekend but hasn't faced live pitching since sustaining a hairline fracture in his right hand.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Smith slashed .296/.404/.497 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs in 110 games this season. </p><p>The Dodgers notably also included 28-year-old defensive specialist Justin Dean on the roster while omitting veteran outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a>.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 16: Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates in the dugout during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers include Smith on wild-card roster vs. Reds

The Los Angeles Angels won't bring back Ron Washington as their manager in 2026, he confirmed to ...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels won't bring back Ron Washington as their manager in 2026, he confirmed to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6677427/2025/09/30/angels-ron-washington-let-go-reasons/">The Athletic's Sam Blum</a>.<br><br>The team won't retain Ray Montgomery either, Blum reports, citing a source.</p><p>Montgomery managed the team on an interim basis after Washington stepped aside to undergo medical treatment for a heart condition, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.</p><p>Washington said his dismissal was based on performance and not related to his health.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I have to accept that," Washington told Blum. </p><p>"I can't go back to argue with them to try and tell them different, when they've made a decision. … We were starting to perform better.”</p><p>The Angels hired Washington as manager in November 2023. The 73-year-old posted a 135-189 record during his tenure. The team held a contract option for Washington in 2026.</p><p>Montgomery managed the club to a 36-52 record after taking over. The 56-year-old said he was fortunate to manage the Angels, even in an interim role, after previously serving as their director of player personnel and then as bench coach. </p><p>He said the Angels offered him a new role with the organization, which remains to be determined, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffFletcherOCR/status/1973137449615605906">Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register</a>.</p><p>The Angels have posted 10 consecutive losing seasons and haven't made the playoffs since 2014.</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 27: Manager Ron Washington #37 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on prior to the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 27, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.

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Angels not bringing Ron Washington back

Tarik Skubal struck out a career-high 14 batters over 7 2/3 innings Tuesday as the Detroit Tigers...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> struck out a career-high 14 batters over 7 2/3 innings Tuesday as the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 to take Game 1 of the American League wild-card series at Progressive Field.</p><p>Skubal's 14 strikeouts tied Joe Coleman for the most in a postseason game in franchise history. Coleman struck out 14 in Game 3 of the 1972 ALCS.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIVE STRAIGHT STRIKEOUTS<br>14 ON THE DAY<br><br>TARIK SKUBAL IS UNBELIEVABLE! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POSTSEASON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POSTSEASON</a> <a href="https://t.co/MGCz4XuTFL">pic.twitter.com/MGCz4XuTFL</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973104560412545226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Skubal outdueled Guardians starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17185" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17185">Gavin Williams</a>, who struck out eight and allowed two unearned runs across six frames.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Tarik set an incredible tone for us," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=212915">ASAP Sports</a>.</p><p>"He's been incredible for us all season, but what a performance at the biggest moment on the biggest stage to get us in a great position to win the game."</p><p>Detroit opened the scoring in the first inning when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13956" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13956">Kerry Carpenter</a> came home on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12328" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12328">Spencer Torkelson</a>'s RBI single, which followed an error by Guardians outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14823" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14823">Johnathan Rodríguez</a>.</p><p>The Tigers scored the game-winning run in the seventh when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8847" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8847">Zach McKinstry</a> bunted home <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12329" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12329">Riley Greene</a>.</p><p>The Guardians threatened in the ninth inning as a runner reached third base with no outs, but they couldn't score. Cleveland only managed four hits in the contest, and only one of those hits left the infield. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4066" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4066">José Ramírez</a> broke for home on a contact play with one out, but was caught in a rundown after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14506" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14506">Kyle Manzardo</a> tapped a comebacker into Tigers closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12586">Will Vest</a>'s glove.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WILL VEST ERASES THE THREAT! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POSTSEASON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POSTSEASON</a> <a href="https://t.co/FtxDotsTIq">pic.twitter.com/FtxDotsTIq</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973111228936626329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"That ball goes two feet either way, he scores, but it just happened to go right back to Vest," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said, according to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3358247" href="https://thescore.com/news/3358247">The Associated Press</a>. "We run the bases aggressive and I wouldn't play that any other way. You just hope with a runner on third and no out that we could get a ball to the outfield, and we weren't able to do it."</p><p>Game 2 takes place Wednesday at 1:08 p.m. ET in Cleveland. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10561">Casey Mize</a> starts for the Tigers opposite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16568" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16568">Tanner Bibee</a> for the Guardians.</p>

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts during Game One of the American League Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Skubal strikes out career-high 14 as Tigers take Game 1

Boston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito is unlikely to pitch in the postseason due to an elbow ...

<p>Boston Red Sox right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4272">Lucas Giolito</a> is unlikely to pitch in the postseason due to an elbow injury, manager Alex Cora said on Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/timbhealey/status/1973102378929815732">The Boston Globe's Tim Healey</a>.</p><p>Giolito was left off Boston's wild-card roster against the New York Yankees after he experienced elbow discomfort during a recent bullpen session. The injury isn't as severe as the Red Sox had feared, but it's enough to put Giolito's postseason participation in jeopardy.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16848" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16848">Connelly Early</a> is the likeliest candidate to start Game 3 of the wild-card series with Giolito sidelined, Cora added.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old Giolito pitched well throughout the regular season, posting a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 26: Lucas Giolito #54 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 26, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Giolito unlikely to pitch for Red Sox in postseason due to elbow injury

Here's a look at the American League and National League leaders for the major statistical catego...

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MLB final stats: Judge, Ohtani atop leaderboards once again 

There will be October baseball in Cincinnati.  The Reds completed a thrilling late-September run ...

<p>There will be October baseball in Cincinnati.</p><p>The Reds completed a thrilling late-September run to clinch the final NL postseason spot Sunday following the New York Mets' 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MERRY CLINCHMAS, REDS COUNTRY <a href="https://t.co/cpaJz1WjvN">pic.twitter.com/cpaJz1WjvN</a></p>— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reds/status/1972427036917678574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Reds manager Terry Francona said the feeling of making it to the postseason never gets old after reaching the playoffs in his first season with the club.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"They're a team, and they act like a team," Francona told <a href="https://x.com/FanDuelSN_CIN/status/1972427298855878997">Jim Day of FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati</a>. "They play like a team. We go through tough times like a team. Now we're gonna party a little bit like a team."</p><p>The Mets' loss eliminated them from postseason contention.</p><p>"It's kinda beyond frustration. It's just straight up disappointing," Mets first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1972427210964250796">SNY</a>. "There's no other way to sugarcoat it. It's just the way it is. Super talented team, and the reality is we fell short. We didn't even get to October."</p><p>The Reds are locked into the NL's No. 6 seed and will travel to Los Angeles to face the defending champion Dodgers in a best-of-three wild-card series. The winner will face the second-seeded Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.</p><p>The playoff berth is the Reds' first since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and their first in a 162-game campaign since 2013. Cincinnati hasn't won a playoff series since sweeping the Dodgers in the 1995 NLDS.</p><p>As for the Mets, their early exit completes a stunning free fall for a team that owned the second-highest payroll in the majors and the best record in baseball (45-24) on June 12.</p><p>"I take responsibility. I'm the manager," Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1972424380878585989">said</a>. "It starts with me. I've got to take a long look here, how I need to get better. That was the messaging to the whole team. This is unacceptable."</p><p> </p><p> </p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds and players celebrate after clinching a playoff berth at American Family Field on September 28, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Reds sneak into playoffs, Mets eliminated on final day

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw won't be on the team's roster for the opening rou...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a> won't be on the team's roster for the opening round of the playoffs, manager Dave Roberts announced Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1972350461933162517">David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports</a>.</p><p>Kershaw will be available if the Dodgers advance past the wild-card series, Roberts added. Los Angeles is set to host either the New York Mets or Cincinnati Reds in the opening round.</p><p>Kershaw is scheduled to make his last start of the regular season against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday at 3:10 p.m. ET. Roberts said it'll be a normal start.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer made his last home start against the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 19. He struck out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> in the fifth inning before walking off the mound to a roaring ovation.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The legendary Clayton Kershaw walks off the Dodger Stadium mound for the final time in his regular-season career 👏 <a href="https://t.co/xfGtvDotDS">pic.twitter.com/xfGtvDotDS</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1969244824168509875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Kershaw is set to retire following the 2025 campaign after an illustrious career that included three NL Cy Young Awards, five ERA titles, a Triple Crown, an MVP award, and 11 All-Star appearances.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) looks on during the MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 2, 2025 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Roberts: Kershaw won't be on Dodgers' wild-card roster

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is "pretty unlikely" to be available if the team has to p...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> is "pretty unlikely" to be available if the team has to play a wild-card series, manager John Schneider said Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1972334528229433359">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>.</p><p>The Blue Jays are hopeful the 27-year-old would be ready to play in the American League Division Series, Schneider added.</p><p>Bichette hasn't appeared in a game since Sept. 6 after suffering a left knee sprain during a home-plate collision against the New York Yankees. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The infielder was having a terrific campaign before the injury, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 181 hits, 44 doubles, and 94 RBIs.</p><p>The Blue Jays can clinch the AL East and a first-round bye if they defeat the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 6: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks in the dugout in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 6, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Schneider: Bichette 'pretty unlikely' to play in potential wild-card series

The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the National League's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage througho...

<p>The Milwaukee Brewers clinched the National League's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason Saturday, thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies' 5-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best record in baseball secured ✅ <a href="https://t.co/aajKYJc3Xv">pic.twitter.com/aajKYJc3Xv</a></p>— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brewers/status/1972100031554707879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Milwaukee, which had previously clinched a first-round bye, will open its postseason in Game 1 of the NLDS at American Family Field on Oct. 4 against the winner of the Chicago Cubs-San Diego Padres wild-card series. The Cubs and Padres are locked into a best-of-three matchup as the NL's No. 4 and No. 5 seeds beginning Tuesday at Wrigley Field.</p><p>The Brewers' MLB-best 96 wins have also tied a franchise record achieved in 2011 and 2018. This is the first time the Brewers have led the majors in wins since 1982, when they won 95 games en route to claiming the AL pennant.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Nobody expected us to win," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/TheGameMKE/status/1972133333997088895">97.3 The Game</a>. "We don't have the experience that would say we're going to win or maybe even the talent saying we're going to win. We just had a team, and that team ended up with the best record in baseball."</p><p>Philadelphia, meanwhile, is now locked in as the NL's No. 2 seed and will host the winner of the No. 3-versus-No. 6 wild-card series in Game 1 of the NLDS next Saturday. The NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers will host either the Cincinnati Reds or New York Mets following that best-of-three showdown.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 21: The Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after their 4-1 win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Brewers clinch NL's No. 1 seed, home field through World Series

After flirting with disaster all month, the Detroit Tigers are heading to October.  The Tigers cl...

<p>After flirting with disaster all month, the Detroit Tigers are heading to October.</p><p>The Tigers clinched a playoff spot Saturday after they beat the Boston Red Sox 2-1 at Fenway Park.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Detroit Tigers have clinched a spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Postseason?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Postseason</a>! 🐯 <a href="https://t.co/1PXeUtwgyD">pic.twitter.com/1PXeUtwgyD</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1972069106347397414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17201" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17201">Keider Montero</a> allowed one earned run and struck out seven over 4 1/3 innings, and Detroit's bullpen shut down the Red Sox the rest of the way.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Leadoff hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5584" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5584">Jahmai Jones</a> was responsible for driving in both of the Tigers' runs with a bases-loaded knock in the fifth inning.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A team that stays together is very dangerous.<br><br>The best time to be dangerous is in October. <a href="https://t.co/53obnf6DkM">pic.twitter.com/53obnf6DkM</a></p>— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers/status/1972076847824547892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Detroit managed to right the ship and make the playoffs after nearly authoring one of the biggest late-season collapses in baseball history. The Tigers were 15.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians in July, and 10.5 up in early September before slumping down the stretch to let Cleveland take control of the division.</p><p>"Everybody is going to start 0-0 when the (playoff) games start. I'm going to sell that a lot because of the way we've come," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said, according to <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1972084990600270234">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.</p><p>"Our guys earned this celebration, and because of how good we were for a majority of the season, we were able to withstand a tough stretch."</p><p>At 87-74, the Tigers are now tied with Cleveland in the AL Central. Cleveland holds the tiebreaker over the Tigers, meaning Detroit must finish ahead of the Guardians to win the division.</p>

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 27: Parker Meadows #22 of the Detroit Tigers, right, celebrates with teammates after their 2-1 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on September 27, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Tigers clinch playoff berth after September swoon

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes joined exclusive company after tossing six shutout in...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> joined exclusive company after tossing six shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.</p><p>Skenes finished his sophomore campaign with a 1.97 ERA, becoming the first qualified pitcher to complete a season with an ERA under 2.00 since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> in 2022.</p><p>"I'm actually worse than I was last year," Skenes said, according to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3353511" href="https://thescore.com/news/3353511">Associated Press</a>. "It was 1.96 last year. I'm 1.97 this year. Just got to be better. No, it's cool. I don't come into the year with any numerical goals."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In the past 10 seasons - not including the shortened 2020 campaign - six qualified pitchers have posted an ERA under 2.00.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PITCHER</th>
<th>SEASON</th>
<th>ERA</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Justin Verlander</td>
<td>2022</td>
<td>1.75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jacob deGrom</td>
<td>2018</td>
<td>1.70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blake Snell</td>
<td>2018</td>
<td>1.89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zack Greinke</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>1.66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Arrieta</td>
<td>2015</td>
<td>1.77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clayton Kershaw</td>
<td>2014</td>
<td>1.77</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"There's going to be a lot of records that Paul Skenes will have as he continues to go throughout his career," Pirates manager Don Kelly said. "How he prepares. How he competes. What a start today and what a season he’s had."</p><p>Only 51 pitchers have accomplished the feat during the live-ball era (since 1920). None of them played for the Pirates.</p><p>"He's the best in the world. I've said that time and time again, and he doesn't disappoint," Skenes' teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13830">Spencer Horwitz</a> said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/AlexJStumpf/status/1971057476280910135">MLB.com's Alex Stumpf</a>.</p><p>Skenes is the front-runner to win the NL Cy Young award after finishing third during his rookie campaign in 2024.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in a game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Pirates' Skenes ends sophomore season with MLB-best 1.97 ERA

The New York Yankees defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-1 and moved into a first-place tie with the...

<p>The New York Yankees defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-1 and moved into a first-place tie with the Blue Jays in the American League East after Toronto lost to the Boston Red Sox 7-1.</p><p>The Yankees trailed the Blue Jays by five games for the division lead on Sept. 16, but made up ground after Toronto lost six of its last seven games.</p><p>Toronto owns the tiebreaker over New York if the two clubs finish the season with identical records.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> lead the Yankees' offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with two home runs. His 50th and 51st homers of the campaign made him the fourth player ever with 50 or more round-trippers in four different seasons.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AARON JUDGE AGAIN!<br><br>NO. 51 FOR THE CAPTAIN! <a href="https://t.co/s7Kd4beMHi">pic.twitter.com/s7Kd4beMHi</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1971027274301657149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"We're just focused on playing our game," Judge told <a href="https://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1971036908860928377">YES Network's Meredith Marakovits</a> postgame. "I think that's been the biggest thing.</p><p>"We can sit here and check the standings, check the records of other teams, but this is a focused group we've got in this clubhouse. We've just been trying to go out there, play our game. If we do that, we're going to be where we want to be."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> was lights out on the hill for the Bronx Bombers, tossing seven innings of one-run ball, which included seven strikeouts.</p><p>Fried finished his first season in New York with a 2.86 ERA and 189 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings across 32 starts.</p><p>The Yankees are the defending AL East champs while the Blue Jays haven't won the division since 2015. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

BRONX, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: New York Yankees Right Fielder Aaron Judge (99) rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run during the second inning of a Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees on September 24, 2025, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

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Yankees move into 1st-place tie with Blue Jays in AL East

The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated right-hander Roki Sasaki from the 60-day injured list Wednesda...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> from the 60-day injured list Wednesday and placed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3735" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3735">Kirby Yates</a> on the IL with a right hamstring strain.</p><p>Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sasaki will pitch out of the bullpen, according to <a href="https://x.com/SonjaMChen/status/1970636383187505312">MLB.com's Sonja Chen</a>.</p><p>Sasaki hasn't pitched in a big-league game since May 9 while recovering from a shoulder impingement. He appeared in seven games (five starts) for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City, authoring a 6.10 ERA and 8.3 K/9 in 20 2/3 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old struggled to a 4.72 ERA and 5.8 BB/9 during eight starts with the Dodgers earlier this season.</p><p>The Dodgers' bullpen enters Wednesday with a 5.69 ERA in September and an MLB-worst 5.6 BB/9.</p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 3: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on May 3, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Sasaki joining Dodgers' bullpen after coming off IL

The Seattle Mariners are heading to the postseason for the first time since 2022 after a come-fro...

<p>The Seattle Mariners are heading to the postseason for the first time since 2022 after a come-from-behind 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.</p><p>With Seattle trailing 3-1 and the bases loaded in the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> hit a bases-clearing double off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12775" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12775">Victor Vodnik</a> to put the Mariners on top for good.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JOSH NAYLOR CLEARS THE BASES!<br><br>THE <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariners?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MARINERS</a> LEAD IN THE 8TH! <a href="https://t.co/OEIn0Bi3Ty">pic.twitter.com/OEIn0Bi3Ty</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1970700763354595617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Naylor, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Arizona Diamondbacks, owns a .292/.333/.486 slash line with nine home runs, 32 RBIs, and 17 steals in 51 games since joining the Mariners.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>AL MVP candidate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> has been one of the catalysts behind Seattle's postseason return. The catcher leads the majors with 58 homers and ranks third in the bigs with 121 RBIs. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dan Wilson starts the champagne shower after a speech here in the Mariners’ clubhouse. <a href="https://t.co/0HClCxLfMU">pic.twitter.com/0HClCxLfMU</a></p>— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DKramer_/status/1970707372978110517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Seattle heads to the postseason for just the second time since winning 116 games in 2001. The team had missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons after being swept by the Houston Astros in the 2022 ALDS.</p><p>The Mariners entered September three games behind the Astros for top spot in the AL West but went on to win 15 of their last 16 games to overtake their division rival.</p><p>Seattle is clinging to the No. 2 seed in the AL postseason picture and will attempt to win the AL West over the final five games of the season. It holds a four-game lead over Houston.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his three-run RBI double against the Colorado Rockies during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park on September 23, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners clinch postseason berth with comeback win over Rockies

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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Tom Ruminski

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