American League Divisional Series
(No. 2) Seattle Mariners def. (No. 6) Detroit Tigers 3-2
The Seattle Mariners advanced to the ALCS after a dramatic 15-inning battle with the Detroit Tigers, the longest winner-take-all game in postseason history. The marathon ended when second baseman Jorge Polanco delivered a bases-loaded single on a full count in the bottom of the 15th inning, scoring longtime Mariner J.P. Crawford with the winning run. It was an instant classic filled with tension, missed opportunities, and clutch pitching from both sides.
The two teams combined for 37 strikeouts and used multiple starting pitchers in relief roles. Luis Castillo earned the win in his first career bullpen appearance, capping a strong pitching effort that kept the Mariners alive. The win sends Seattle to its first ALCS since 2001, ending one of the longest championship droughts in baseball.
Despite the loss, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal had a career game, striking out 13 batters — the most ever in a winner-take-all postseason game. The only run against him came on a Josh Naylor double, a stolen base, and a sacrifice fly. Although the Mariners struggled to make hard contact, they fouled off 27 pitches to work deep counts and forced Skubal out after six innings and 99 pitches. Remarkably, Skubal faced Seattle four times this season, and the Mariners won all four games.
(No. 1) Toronto Blue Jays def. (No. 4) New York Yankees 3-1
The Toronto Blue Jays clinched a spot in the ALCS with a 5–1 win over the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, relying on elite fundamentals — consistent contact, sharp defense, and strong pitching. Manager John Schneider managed a shorthanded staff efficiently, using eight pitchers who combined to hold the Yankees to just six hits while executing under pressure.
Toronto built an early lead against Yankees starter Cam Schlittler, striking out only twice and scoring all five of their runs without hitting a home run. Their aggressive baserunning and situational hitting once again defined their postseason play. On the mound, the Blue Jays bullpen stifled New York’s powerful offense, which led the majors in home runs during the regular season.
The Yankees’ lone run came from No. 9 hitter Ryan McMahon, who hit a solo shot off lefty Mason Fluharty in the third inning. The win sends the Blue Jays to their first ALCS appearance since 2016, where they’ll host Game 1 at Rogers Centre on Sunday. Toronto’s balance and depth have made them one of the most complete teams remaining in the postseason.
National League Divisional Series
(No. 3) Los Angeles Dodgers def. (No. 2) Philadelphia Phillies 3-1
The Dodgers’ series win over the Phillies ended in chaotic fashion, producing one of the strangest finishes in postseason history. In the decisive Game 4, Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering bobbled a slow roller from Andy Pages and tried to throw home instead of taking the easy out at first, allowing the winning run to score and sealing Philadelphia’s elimination.
Before that bizarre ending, both teams were locked in a tense pitcher’s duel between Tyler Glasnow and Cristopher Sánchez, the second game of the series to remain scoreless through six innings. Both rotations were dominant, but Los Angeles found just enough timely hitting to edge out the Phillies and take control of the series.
With the win, the Dodgers kept their quest to repeat as World Series champions alive. For Philadelphia, it was a bitter ending to another strong season. Despite a roster loaded with star talent, the Phillies once again fell short, eliminated in the Divisional Round for the fourth consecutive year.
(No. 1) Milwaukee Brewers def. (No. 4) Chicago Cubs 3-2
The Milwaukee Brewers advanced to the NLCS after a tightly contested five-game series against the Chicago Cubs, where the home team won each matchup. The Brewers relied on elite pitching and depth to close out the series, with manager Pat Murphy using five pitchers in a quintessential Milwaukee performance that emphasized control, efficiency, and smart bullpen use.
Milwaukee, the best team in the National League during the regular season, showed the same formula that carried them to the top: strong starting pitching, shutdown relief, and opportunistic offense. While not known for their power, the Brewers hit key home runs when needed and found ways to manufacture runs in close games.
Their combination of pitching depth, bullpen versatility, and situational hitting makes them a legitimate threat in the NLCS. With momentum on their side and a well-balanced roster, the Brewers now have a real chance to reach their first World Series since 1982.
