The 2023 Major League Baseball postseason has officially begun, and the first round, the Wild Card Series, has concluded.
On Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, the MLB postseason Wild Card Series began with eight teams facing off in a three-game series. This round will eliminate four teams, while the four other teams will move on to the next round of the playoffs.
The Wild Card Series is a best-of-three game set where anything can happen. Just like in the postseason, this round is crucial to teams as it will dictate the rest of the postseason.
Moorpark College student Landen Sawyer spoke about how the playoffs differ from the regular season.
“There is definitely way more energy when it comes to postseason baseball,” Sawyer said. “All of the players put their hearts and souls on the line to chase the World Series trophy. In my eyes, regular season baseball is filled with players taking it easy, however, it’s interesting to watch the players’ intensity rise when it’s time for October baseball.”
In case you missed the 2023 Wild Card round of the MLB postseason, here is a quick recap.
Texas Rangers (AL 5) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (AL 4)
The Texas Rangers entered the postseason after a lackluster finish in the 2023 season as the fifth seed in the American League. The Tampa Bay Rays entered as the fourth seed, which made the matchup one to watch.
The Rays hosting the Rangers at Tropicana Field was a notable part of the series. However, according to ESPN, the Rays only drew a crowd of 19,704 in Game 1 of the postseason. This would be the smallest non-pandemic MLB postseason crowd since 1919.
This small showing from Rays fans aided the Rangers’ offense as they shut out the Rays 4-0 in Game 1 and continued this momentum into Game 2. The Rangers defeated the Rays 7-1 and eliminated Tampa Bay from continuing in the postseason. The Texas Rangers would move on to the American League Division Series to face the Baltimore Orioles.
Toronto Blue Jays (AL 6) vs. Minnesota Twins (AL 3)
The Toronto Blue Jays entered the postseason after clinching a spot on the second to last day of the MLB regular season. This young team hoped to make a push as they were eliminated in this round in the 2022 postseason. The Minnesota Twins clinched the American League Central Division and earned themselves the third seed in the postseason bracket.
Due to poor management moves by Blue Jays Manager John Scnieder, the Twins swept the Blue Jays. Many believe their Game 2 loss comes from the early yanking of Blue Jays starting pitcher and ace José Berríos.
Blue Jays Skipper John Schneider spoke in an interview following the loss and the backlash he had received due to his playoff performance.
“So you can sit here and second-guess me, second-guess the organization, second-guess anybody. I get that. I get that. And it’s tough. And it didn’t work out for us today or yesterday.”
The Minnesota Twins would advance to the American League Division Series for the first time in 21 years, where they will face reigning champions, the Houston Astros.
Arizona Diamondbacks (NL 6) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (NL 3)
Another series that appeared to be lopsided, as the number three seed took on the number six seed. After securing the National League Central Division, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched their postseason position. In contrast, the Arizona Diamondbacks secured their spot on the second to last day of the season. However, anything can happen in postseason baseball.
The D-backs jumped on the Brewers early in the first game, attacking Milwaukee ace Corbin Burnes. Stars such as Ketel Marte and Rookie of the Year candidate Corbin Carroll hit home runs to win Game 1, 6-3.
Game 2 was much of the same. Diamondbacks Ace and Cy Young Award Candidate Zach Gallen only allowed two runs in the first inning and had been lights out since then. It would be the only two runs the Brewers would be able to score. The D-backs eliminated the Brewers in a two-game sweep, 5-2.
The D-backs would face a familiar National League West Division opponent, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who earned the number two seed after clinching the division.
Miami Marlins (NL 5) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (NL 4)
The number four-seeded Miami Marlins had an unexpectedly successful season and were in the playoffs. The Philadelphia Phillies started their 2023 season off slow and then exploded in the second half. The matchup was sure to be exciting.
With stand-out players such as two-time MVP Bryce Harper and hitting machine Trea Turner, plus immaculate starting pitching, the Phillies rolled over the Marlins in Game 1, 4-1.
The Marlins looked to stay alive as they faced elimination in Game 2. However, the Phillies once again stomped on the Marlins. The final blow was delivered by Bryson Stott, with a grand slam off of Royal High School alum Andrew Nardi. The Marlins season was over, and the Phillies would move on to face the number one seed Atlanta Braves.
Phillies star Harper spoke in an interview during the Philadelphia celebration about what comes next for the team.
“We know we’re a really good team, and we’ve just got to continue to do that. It’s going to be an electric series [against the Braves] and we can’t wait.”
The 2023 Divisional Series began play on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Eight teams will play, yet only four will advance to the championship series. For more information on the 2023 MLB postseason, click here.
