The Arizona Diamondbacks completed a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League wild-card series with a 5-2 victory. Ketel Marte’s single in the sixth inning sparked a four-run rally, while Zac Gallen pitched six innings and battled through to secure the win. The Diamondbacks will now face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series.
Despite falling behind 2-0, Arizona managed to overcome the deficit and sweep the best-of-three series. They had previously come back from a 3-0 hole to win the opener. The Diamondbacks’ next challenge will be facing the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road in the NL Division Series.
Zac Gallen, the Diamondbacks’ pitcher, allowed two runs in the first inning but held off the NL Central champions for the rest of the game. He gave up five hits, struck out four, and walked three in a 100-pitch effort.
In the sixth inning, the Diamondbacks scored four runs to take a 5-2 lead. Ketel Marte’s two-run single put them ahead, and they continued to extend their lead with a bases-loaded wild pitch and an RBI single by Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
In another game, the Texas Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-1 in the American League wild-card series. Nathan Eovaldi pitched 6 2/3 strong innings for the Rangers, who advanced to face the Orioles in the AL Division Series. Evan Carter and Adolis Garcia hit home runs to contribute to the victory.
The Rays’ starter, Zach Eflin, allowed five runs (four earned) in five innings. This marks the second consecutive year that Tampa Bay has been swept in the wild-card round.
The Minnesota Twins also completed a sweep in their AL wild-card series against the Toronto Blue Jays with a 2-0 victory. Carlos Correa had two hits and an RBI for the Twins, who will now face the Houston Astros in the AL Division Series. Twins pitcher Sonny Gray struck out six batters in five scoreless innings.
The Blue Jays’ pitcher, Jose Berrios, allowed one run in three-plus innings. Despite tallying nine hits, all singles, Toronto struggled to bring runners home, scoring only one run in the two playoff games.
In the National League wild-card series, the Philadelphia Phillies swept the Miami Marlins with a 7-1 victory. Bryson Stott hit a grand slam, and J.T. Realmuto homered and doubled to contribute to the Phillies’ win. Aaron Nola pitched seven shutout innings for Philadelphia. They will now face the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series.
The Marlins’ lone run came from Josh Bell’s RBI single in the ninth inning. Braxton Garrett, the Marlins’ pitcher, lasted only three innings and allowed two runs.
In conclusion, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies all completed sweeps in their respective wild-card series, advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
