Tag: MLB

Tarik Skubal’s postseason scoreless streak ends with a HBP, grand slam in ALDS Game 5

Everything changed for Tarik Skubal with two pitches against the Cleveland Guardians.

Tarik Skubal has looked like one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball entering Saturday’s Game 5 of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians.

In his previous two postseason outings – both wins for Detroit – Skubal had pitched a combined 13 scoreless innings, walking one and striking out 14 batters. In Game 5, he ran that scoreless inning streak up to 17 innings.

And then in the bottom of the fifth inning, his luck ran out. He gave up two singles to open the frame, then allowed a third baserunner to reach on an infield single, which loaded the basses. Skubal then hit Jose Ramirez with a pitch, placing a 100-mph delivery on Ramirez’s elbow, walking in a run and ending the streak.

On the next pitch, Lane Thomas really messed up Skubal’s day, sending a low and inside sinker over the wall in left centerfield for a grand slam.

Again, Skubal hadn’t allowed a run in 17 postseason innings. That all changed with two pitches.

Shohei Ohtani’s childhood hero Yu Darvish stands in the way of Dodgers’ postseason dreams

Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish have a special connection.

All Shohei Ohtani has ever wanted out of his MLB career is a chance. A shot at competing for a title.

He made a bet that heading down the road and playing for the Dodgers would get him closer to that than he’s ever been. It turns out that bet was right — this is the closest he’s ever been.

Ohtani and the Dodgers are just one win away from the NLCS heading into a decisive Game 5 against the Padres. Now, the only thing that stands in the way of Ohtani inching a little closer to his dream is his childhood hero.

When the Dodgers’ star steps into the batter’s box on Friday, he’ll be going up against Yu Darvish.

DARVISH VS. YAMAMOTO: The two aces are set to make history for Japanese pitchers when they take the mound.

Ohtani grew up watching the former Nippon Ham Fighters’ ace as a kid before embarking on his journey in professional baseball. On Sunday, when Darvish last pitched against LA, Ohtani described the pitcher as his “childhood hero” and said he’d hoped to see him and Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitch against one another.

That dream comes true for Ohtani tonight.

Ohtani’s reverence for Darvish hasn’t made a difference to the ace. He’s shown no mercy when lining up across from Ohtani. So far, the Dodgers star has batted 1-8 against his idol in his career, according to MLB.com, including a 0-3 showing against him on Sunday.

If Ohtani can turn things around, his dream of winning a championship remains alive. If not? He’ll have plenty more opportunities to watch his idol from the couch again over these next few weeks.

Why the Tigers and Guardians are playing Game 5 of the ALDS earlier Saturday

When and how to watch Game 5 of the Tigers-Guardians in the ALDS.

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians are tied in the American League Division Series at 2-2 after the Guardians came back to win Game 4 in Detroit on Thursday.

Game 5 is set for Saturday back in Cleveland, but as the result of inclement weather, the first pitch time has changed. Again.

With the chance for rain in Cleveland on Saturday evening, Game 5 of the Tigers-Guardians series was moved up to begin at 1:08 p.m. ET on Saturday — and TBS and Max are still broadcasting the decisive matchup.

MLB POSTSEASON: Padres’ Yu Darvish and Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto make MLB postseason history for Japanese pitchers

As the Detroit Free Press noted, Game 5 was originally scheduled for a 4:08 p.m. ET start but was then bumped to 8:08 p.m. ET after the New York Yankees eliminated the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night to advance to the American League Championship Series. But the weather forecast changed it again.

The winner of the series will take on the Yankees in the ALCS, set to begin Monday night.

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Former Chiefs wide receiver explains viral moment with Patrick Mahomes

Former Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver Gehrig Dieter explains viral moment with Patrick Mahomes | @EdEastonJr

The viral video clip of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes jokingly in the face of former wide receiver Gehrig Dieter opened up extra attention around the sports world.

Dieter, a loyal New York Yankees fan, enjoyed the reaction to his moment with Mahomes at the ALDS game and spoke with TMZ about the situation.

“The Yanks obviously took an early lead; I was pretty loud in a quiet environment with the Royal fans around, but when there’s a spark of energy like that goin’ on in that inning, obviously (Patrick Mahomes) is gonna get fired up, and have some fun,” said Dieter “Last night was great, glad that they won the game. It was a hectic environment, but I had a lot of fun, obviously.”

Dieter continues celebrating his Yankees series win as the Royals dropped both games at Kauffman Stadium.

“Nothin’ but fun,” said Dieter. “It’s funny how the whole video has kinda gone viral, and some people are taking it out of context, but it’s all fun and games.”

Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill joined in on the joke via his X account, posting ‘Thug Antics’ about the clip. This led Dieter to respond that Hill wanted to return to Kansas City.

“Confirmed @cheetah misses KC.” posted Dieter.” I’m coming out of retirement if you’re coming back to KC.”

Dieter played for the Chiefs from 2017-2021, spending most of his time on the practice squad or special teams. He had two career receptions for 32 yards before announcing his retirement in June 2022.

Bob Costas completely botched a routine baseball call during Game 3 of Yankees-Royals

Uhhh…

Legendary sportscaster Bob Costas didn’t quite rise to the occasion on Wednesday night as he was on the TBS call for Game 3 of the 2024 ALDS between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals.

On a hit from Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, Costas got unusually excited on his call since he thought it was going to be a big play for Kansas City.

Well, the Royals hit went for a pretty automatic catch-and-out for the Yankees, which made Costas’ lively commentary for such a routine baseball play come across as very jarring and out of place.

We’re not sure what Costas thought he saw here, but it was the wrong call and the wrong emotion for such a mundane moment in an otherwise nail-biting game.

Costas is still awesome, but he’d probably like to have this call back.

https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1844194411510628609

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Mets radio legend Howie Rose delivered an unforgettable call of Francisco Lindor’s Game 4 grand slam

What a call from Howie Rose.

The New York Mets completed a decisive 2024 NLDS victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Citi Field, thanks in part to superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor.

In the bottom of Game 4’s sixth inning, Lindor hit an absolutely seismic grand slam to give the Mets a 4-1 lead that the team didn’t relinquish for the rest of the ball game.

Without Lindor’s heroics, it’s fair to wonder if the Phillies could’ve tied the series up and sent it back to Philadelphia for Game 5. Thanks to them, however, New York fans don’t have to think about that scenario.

To make it all that much better, beloved Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose delivered a truly phenomenal call of Lindor’s grand slam, which you can hear below.

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Adam Amin delivered an excellent call of the Mets winning the NLDS over the Phillies

What a moment for Mets fans.

The New York Mets advanced past the National League Division Series for the first time in nine years on Wednesday night, topping the Phillies 3-1 in the very competitive MLB playoff round.

The Mets clinching the playoff series in front of the New York fans at Citi Field made the victory all the more sweet.

Fox Sports broadcaster Adam Amin did a really nice job calling the moment the Mets earned the last out necessary to win Game 4 and lock in a spot for the National League Championship Series.

Amin’s call is worth a listen, whether you already heard it on the main broadcast and want to relive the moment or if you’re hearing it for the first time.

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Former Notre Dame player makes incredible line-drive catch in ALDS

Terrific play.

Whatever team MLB fans cheer for, they all can agree that this year’s playoffs have been incredible so far. We haven’t even reached the LCS yet. And Notre Dame fans can say one of their own has contributed to that greatness.

[autotag]Matt Vierling[/autotag] played three seasons for the Irish. Now in his fourth major-league season, he’s after a World Series ring. He had a chance at one with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, but they came up only two wins short. The following season, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, one of many hot teams right now.

In Game 3 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians, the Tigers had a 3-0 lead with two outs in the top of the seventh inning and runners on first and second. David Fry, who represented the tying run, hit a hard line drive to the left side of the field that was certain to go for extra bases and probably score both runners.

Vierling, who had driven in one of the Tigers’ runs via a sacrifice fly, was right there at third base though, and he timed his jump just enough that he took the hit away and got his team out of the inning.

The 3-0 score stood, and the Tigers are one win away from advancing to their first ALCS in 11 years. Hopefully, we see more from Vierling this postseason.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on X: @gfclark89

Listen to Geoffrey’s World Series history podcast: “Then There Were Two: A History of the World Series”.

Why do the Padres wear a ‘PS’ heart patch on their jerseys?

Here’s why the San Diego Padres wear a PS patch on their jerseys.

You might have noticed an interesting patch on the San Diego Padres’ jerseys during the MLB playoffs. So, what are they?

The patch itself is a yellow heart with the letters “PS” stitched onto it in black. It memorializes the late Peter Seidler, who passed away in November 2023, the former chairman of the Padres. Seidler had been the chairman since 2012, when he, Peter O’Malley and Ron Fowler purchased the team from John Moores.

The Padres have been wearing the patch all season as a way to memorialize their late chairman who was near and dear to the San Diego community.

Nick Castellanos immediately went to celebrate with his son after walk-off hit for the Phillies in Game 2

What a moment between father and son.

Nick Castellanos has given the Philadelphia Phillies life, sending their NLDS series with the New York Mets back to Queens tied 1-1 after hitting a walk-off single in the ninth inning of Game 2.

And who did Castellanos run to in the stands after his teammates mobbed him on the field? His son Liam, of course.

Castellanos’ son has captured the hearts of many in Philadelphia and across the sports world during the Phillies’ last few playoff runs with his joyful reactions to his father’s performances. And on Sunday, Castellanos delivered again for the Phillies, hitting a walk-off ball to left field in the ninth inning to put Philadelphia on top 7-6.

But once the on-field celebrations were through, Castellanos sprinted over to Liam sitting behind home plate to share in the moment of joy.

What an incredible moment between father and son.