The National League Wild Card race is getting very interesting. The New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks are now tied, while the Atlanta Braves dropped another game. The San Diego Padres only hold a two-and-a-half-game lead.
Miami Marlins 11, Los Angeles Dodgers 9
The Marlins beat the Dodgers in the series opener. In a game with plenty of offense, Ohtani hit his 48th home run of the season. The Dodgers still have a two-game advantage over the Milwaukee Brewers for the bye.
There it is!! Number 48 for Ohtani!! The only member of the 48/48 club!#Dodgers pic.twitter.com/6Qg9QiVDAb
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) September 17, 2024
Philadelphia Phillies 5, Milwaukee Brewers 1
Bryce Harper gave the Phillies a lead with a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning, breaking a 1-1 tie. In what could be a postseason preview, the Phillies got the win to set up the rubber match.
Phillies take the lead with this Harper 2-run homer!!!#ringthebell pic.twitter.com/icSuNMwN5A
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) September 18, 2024
San Francisco Giants 10, Baltimore Orioles 0
After being shut out twice in the last series, the Giants got on the right side of a shutout. Blake Snell struck out 12 and allowed just one hit in six innings.
Snell is once again on fire tonight!!#giants pic.twitter.com/ANSIw5e4Mj
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) September 18, 2024
Minnesota Twins 4, Cleveland Guardians 1
Matt Wallner and Willi Castro picked up two hits and two RBIs as the Twins try to claim the final Wild Card Spot in the American League.
In a series that has massive playoff implications, Willi Castro provides huge insurance runs!!#twins pic.twitter.com/ieyRWNqqFD
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) September 18, 2024
Cincinnati Reds 6, Atlanta Braves 5
The Braves lose a critical game against the Reds. The Reds erased a 5-1 deficit to move Atlanta two and a half games back of the New York Mets for the third and final National League Wild Card spot.
Tampa Bay Rays 8, Boston Red Sox 3
The Rays came from behind to beat the Red Sox, who are fighting for a slim chance to get into the postseason. Jose Siri came through with two hits, a solo home run, and a three RBI double.
New York Mets 10, Washington Nationals 1
It seems fitting that the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr. is playing a role in the Mets trying to etch the Braves out of the postseason. Luisangel Acuña went 3-4 with 2 RBI. He hit his first career home run to put the finishing touches on a 10-run night.
Acũna’s first big league homer!!#lgm
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) September 18, 2024
Detroit Tigers 3, Kansas City Royals 1
The Tigers have jumped into the postseason picture. Just a game and a half back of the Twins for the third and final AL Wild Card spot as they secured the series win against the Royals.
Oakland Athletics 4, Chicago Cubs 3
The A’s gave the Brewers an assist by beating the Cubs. A two-home run night from Shea Langeliers means that the Brewers magic number is down to one.
Another one for Shea!!!#athletics
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) September 18, 2024
St. Louis Cardinals 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 1
Despite outhitting the Cardinals 8-5, the Pirates were only able to scrape one run. Lance Lynn struck out five in a quality start.
Texas Rangers 13, Toronto Blue Jays 8
Both teams had 13 hits in the contest, but a big night from Wyatt Langford powered the Rangers to victory. Langford went 3-4 with two RBIs and hit his 12th home run of the year.
Colorado Rockies 8, Arizona Diamondbacks 2
A second straight loss to the Rockies has tied the D-backs with the Mets in the Wild Card race. With October approaching and a trip to Milwaukee coming up, the D-backs are in danger of falling out of the postseason.
Los Angeles Angels 5, Chicago White Sox 0
In a forgettable season for both teams, the Angels delivered a shutout to snap their six-game losing streak.
Houston Astros 4, San Diego Padres 3
An Astros win has given them a five-game lead on the Seattle Mariners for the division title. Jose Altuve was ejected after a ball that hit his foot was called far. However, the strangest part was that Altuve took off his shoe and sock to show the umpire where the ball hit him, leading to him getting tossed.
New York Yankees 11, Seattle Mariners 2
Is the Yankees offense getting hot again? If yes, that could be scary for the rest of the AL. There was no home run for Judge, who has an outside chance at 60, but he did have four RBIs in the series opener against the Mariners.
_____
WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo Credit: Luisangel Acuña #2 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on September 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)