by Caroline Ferchand

Thus far, the 2024 MLB playoffs have given us unforgettable moments, engaging fans across the country. The Wild Card round set the stage for the underdogs to excel, specifically the Detroit Tigers, sweeping the Houston Astros on their home field. Meanwhile, the New York Mets won their series in dramatic fashion, highlighting the intensity of postseason baseball. As the playoffs go forward teams like the Yankees and Dodgers look to solidify their dominance and accomplish the ultimate goal – winning the World Series. With both thrilling performances and electrifying games, this postseason has been a rollercoaster ride that guarantees more great baseball to come as the World Series begins this Friday. 

Fans got a glimpse of the exhilarating playoffs in the Wild Card round, when three out of the four series were won by the underdogs. One team in particular, the Detroit Tigers, caught sight of what could have been a very promising playoff run. Game two of this series had both fan bases on the edges of their seats, when pinch hitter Andy Ibáñez came through for the Tigers with the game winning triple to punch their ticket to the ALDS. Meanwhile, the Wild Card series between the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers kept everyone locked into the games. The Mets took game one of the series, but the Brewers bounced back in an electric manner to win in game two, setting the stage for a winner-take-all game three. Leading the game 2-0 going into the 9th inning, the Brewers seemed assured of victory, but Pete Alonso and the Mets had other plans. Alonso’s dramatic 3-run homerun turned the game around for the Mets, securing the win and sending them to the NLDS. 

The NLDS and ALDS series were set with the New York Yankees facing the Kansas City Royals, the New York Mets taking on the Philadelphia Phillies, the Detroit Tigers battling the Cleveland Guardians, and the Los Angeles Dodgers squaring off against the San Diego Padres. With two series extending to a deciding game five, the Division Series were at a close with the Yankees, Mets, Guardians, and Dodgers coming out victorious, all with hopes of getting through to the World Series. Between the Yankees demand for greatness and the Mets run of a lifetime, New York fans had plenty to be excited about. 

The first game of the NLCS on October 13 was not what many Mets fans were hoping for. Starting pitcher Kodai Senga lasted less than two innings, surrendering three runs, while the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty dominated. The Dodgers’ 9-0 blowout was much needed after their rocky NLDS. However, the Mets had a bounced back the next day. The Dodgers walked Francisco Lindor to load the bases, allowing Mark Vientos to step up and hit a grand slam, putting the Mets in front. They held onto that lead bringing them to their first win in this NLCS, and evening the series at 1-1. However, the Mets went down 3-1 after back to back blow out wins for the Dodgers. After a win in game five to keep their season alive, the dream season came to an end in game six with the Dodgers’ winning 10-5. The Dodgers advanced to the World Series, while the Mets went back to New York empty handed. 

The ALCS kicked off on October 14, and it was a good day for Yankee fans. Starting pitcher Carlos Rodón delivered six innings and allowed just one run while striking out nine. This A+ outing was matched with 5 runs put up by the Yankees’ offense and a solid close by Luke Weaver. The Yankees took a 2-0 series lead before facing a dramatic game three loss. After back-to-back home runs from Judge and Stanton, the Yankees fell in the 10th inning, when David Fry hit a game-winning 2-run homer for the Guardians. However, the Yankees bounced back and won consecutive games in Cleveland, securing their spot in the World Series.    

As the MLB postseason progresses, the excitement lures fans in and shapes the narrative of October baseball. From the eventual fall of the underdogs to the dominance of the powerhouses, every game has provided unforgettable moments shining a light on the unpredictable nature of the MLB playoffs. With the World Series starting this week, the Yankees and Dodgers are looking to make their mark on baseball history. As fans eagerly await the final face-off, one thing is certain: this postseason has provided the fans with exhilarating drama, promising more thrilling moments to come.