#2 Houston vs #3 Minnesota (Houston advances 3-1)
Minnesota has finally won their first postseason series since 2002, breaking the longest losing series streak in October. Minnesota’s starting pitching was 100% the reason why they were able to sweep the Jays. If Minnesota’s pitching can keep being consistent and sound, especially now against a harder lineup, they can be a real threat. The offense for Minnesota was led by key players such as Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa. One of the many things to look out for in this series is Minnesota’s offense. If they can hit the Astros’ deep pitching staff that won them a championship last year, they should be in for a sweet ride. The Astros have won their sixth division title in a row this year, and have way more experience than Minnesota when referring to post season play. Houston’s pitching has been one of the best, having the eighth lowest ERA, and the seventh most strikeouts. Framber Valdez has become one of the most feared pitchers in baseball as well as trade deadline acquisition Justin Verlander. Houston’s offense has had the third most hits in the MLB, but their lineups contain players who lack such as Jeremy Peña and Jose Abreu. On the other hand, rookie Yainer Diaz and Chas McCormick have picked up the slack and been a key reason to many Astro wins this season. This is an uphill battle for Minnesota to win so I will take Houston in 4.
#1 Baltimore vs #5 Texas (Baltimore wins 3-2)
Texas certainly took advantage of a horrid Tampa Bay defense, in which they ran the bases well and played heads up. Both Evan Carter and Nathan Eovaldi lifted them to a Wild Card sweep, over a heavily favored Tampa Bay Rays team. Texas’ strongest part of their play was the pitching. Both Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi had shutouts through 6 innings, in which the bullpen was surprisingly good. Texas also had a series full of offense, having a combined 11 runs in 2 games. Evan Carter, Corey Seager, and Josh Jung had great games at the dish, increasing their run production. If Texas can have the same pitching against an exciting Orioles lineup, as well as benefit from Baltimore’s inexperienced postseason pitchers, they will be destined for the World Series. The Baltimore Orioles have come off their best season in 6 years after losing time and time again, and they definitely will not spoil the opportunity they have. Baltimore has had the 7th lowest ERA and 6th least runners allowed on base in the MLB this year. Star pitchers Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and Mike Baumann have led the way. Baltimore has a young exciting offense and I’m peronally excited to see how they can perform on the big stage. Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Anthony Santander are looked to be the real threats for Baltimore, by being their stars. This series seems to be a fair matchup with unproven players and I have Baltimore coming out on top in 5.
#1 Dodgers vs #6 Arizona (Dodgers win 3-0)
Arizona surprisingly came out on top thamks to big hits from Gabriel Moreno, Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. Their crucial hits boosted the D-Backs to a wild card victory. Arizona’s pitching allowed little to no runs, but allowed 30 runners on base in both wild card games using 7 total pitchers. Arizona capitalized on the Brewers, in which they were unable to score runners the whole series which eventually led them to defeat. Now, Arizona faces a stronger Dodgers team and if the Diamondbacks want to succeed now, they cannot allow that many baserunners and expect the same from a stronger offense. Arizona’s offense, as I predicted, was the focal point of the team, and the rookies showed they are playoff ready which is a very good sign for the Snakes. The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a very impressive season, in which they were faced with tons of adversity during the regular season. Injuries to star players and not spending much in the offseason, no one really saw the Dodgers winning the division. Los Angeles’ biggest weakness is their pitching, which is a bit unusual. Luis Urias is suspended and both Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are injured. On the other hand, LA’s rotation has a shining star with Bobby Miller who has been consistent all year long. This Dodgers lineup should be the big anchor for LA this Postseason with breakout stars like James Outman, Jason Heyward, and JD Martinez having huge breakout seasons. This will be an interesting yet exciting matchup but I have the Dodgers sweeping the Diamondbacks in 3.
#1 Atlanta vs #4 Philadelphia (Philadelphia wins 3-2)
The long awaited NL East rematch is here, after Philly easily swept Miami. The Fightins’ offense was strong and the pitching was even stronger, allowing only 2 runs with both Aaron Nola and Zach Wheeler going 6 strong innings. Philadelphia is looking to once again upset the best team in baseball and they’re getting hot at the right time. If Philly wants to beat Atlanta they cannot allow runners because the Braves are a slugging team and a multiple run homer will shatter any close game. Atlanta is a hard place to play in and Philly cannot let the Braves take advantage of any sign of weakness Philly shows. The Atlanta Braves have had a historical season to say the least, bounce back players like Marcell Ozuna and Orlando Arcia are a few to name but the offense for Atlanta has been one of the best in history. The Braves are a team nearly no one could beat this season due to their relentlessness of never giving up in games. Atlanta has struggled with injuries to pitching this year, but Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder have been able to keep the rotation intact. Atlanta’s key to winning this series is to keep playing the way they have and to not fall under postseason pressure like last year. This series will be a dogfight, and I have Philadelphia coming out on top in 5.