Major League Baseball: 2023 Season

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JohnBM01
Oh, and did I mention we took 1st Place in the AL West for the first time this season as Dolph Drago's Cincinnati Reds downed the Seattle Mariners for two straight games?
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I thought you might like that. :P They lost the finale but still a strong showing, including coming from behind 6-3 going into the 8th inning to walk it off in the 9th in game 2.

Fun fact: The Reds went bonkers against the AL West this season, going 13-2 against one of the strongest divisions (minus one team from the Bay area) in the Majors. The only losses were a smackdown by Seattle tonight 8-4 and a 1-run fail against, oddly, the A's all the way back in April. They swept the Astros, Rangers, and Angels. In their history, they've always struggled against the AL and even more so if it was one of the teams out west. What they did this year was remarkable.

The battle for the 3rd NL Wildcard is a dogfight, and Cincy is one of the teams involved. That fact alone makes me happy, even if the playoffs are missed, considering the team lost 100 games last year and weren't projected to do much better this season. It's reminiscent of the Bengals-esque turnaround I very much enjoyed.
 
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A beast awakened. The Houston Astros were done being awoken from getting swept at home by the New York Yankees to sweeping (and dominating) the Texas Rangers on the road. The Houston Astros haven't done so well at home, and the San Diego Padres are ready to take on their former NL foes. Maybe we should change that "not very good at home" thing. It's time to see who gets the better of this weekend matchup as NL West meets AL West.

* SD Padres at HOU Astros - 3 games

[GAME 1] This game was on AppleTV, so it was not available on TV. After crushing the Texas Rangers in our last series, we get crushed ourselves, losing tonight. Maybe it was a good thing AppleTV had this game on instead of AT&T SportsNet Southwest, which airs Astros games here. Texas and Seattle lost also tonight, so the Astros still held their AL West lead. This loss brought the Astros' home record to .500, sitting at 35-35.

[GAME 2] Minute Maid Park was flying Air Yordan as he blasted a solo shot to right to put Houston up 1-0 in the Bottom of the 3rd. The San Diego Padres responded with an RBI in the Top of the 4th to tie things at 1-1. That was followed up by a two-run blast by Jurickson Profar. Make that 3-1, San Diego after Profar's thunderbolt. The unanswered runs count went up to four after San Diego hit another deep RBI that same inning. San Diego up 4-1 now still in the Top of the 4th. A groundout for the Astros in the Bottom of the 4th brought home a run to cut San Diego's lead to 4-2. Yordan Alvarez misses out on more scores on a deep RBI in the Bottom of the 5th, but he did bring in an Astros run to cut the Padres' lead to 4-3. A deep RBI to right gave the Astros the go-ahead 5-4 lead that same inning. Astros add in another run on a José Abreu RBI single to make it a 6-4 Astros lead. A bases loaded RBI by Martin Maldonaldo kept the scoring going. Astros now lead 7-4. There have been six unanswered runs so far by Houston. San Diego kept scrapping afterwards, banging in an RBI in the Top of the 6th to cut the Astros lead to 7-5. Three strikeouts by Ryan Pressly closed out this game and gave the Astros a two-game lead in the AL West after Seattle lost earlier today.

[GAME 3] When I first checked into this game after watching my Houston Texans fail at the Baltimore Ravens, the score was 12-1 in the Top of the 7th. The Astros never trailed, and the big inning from them was a wild 8-run inning in the Bottom of the 6th. Very first pitch I saw, San Diego uncorked a solo jack to left to cut the Astros' lead to 12-2. That was the final score to today's game- 12-2, Houston Astros Baseball Club.

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (11-2; San Diego)
GM2: (7-5; Houston)
GM3: (12-2; Houston)

UP NEXT: vs. OAK Athletics - 3 games, starting MON

The 2023 Houston Astros are now 82-62 on the season, still ahead in the AL West. We're ahead by 2.5 games over Seattle as of the time of this post. It's another winning season for the Houston Astros with this 82nd win of the season. At least this is better than the Astros of the mid-2010s that had three-straight 100+ loss seasons. The Houston Astros will welcome the Oakland Athletics next. The remaining schedule becomes a bit more favorable for the Houston Astros. Just because we're hosting the Oakland Athletics doesn't mean the Houston Astros should relax their guard. Houston has to handle their business. We may not even hit 100+ wins on this season, but at least we're winning in even without the most impressive win percentage.


Congratulations to all recent series winners and game winners! How are your favorite teams doing?
 
After dropping the first two, Cincy picked up a win in the final game in their series against the Cards. Hunter Greene and the bullpen threw a 1 hitter. Both India and Votto (on his 40th birthday) were reactivated from the IL and started. India hit a home run to left center in his first at bat. Votto blasted one later to deep, deep right, becoming the 9th player in MLB history to hit a dinger on his 40th.

The NL Wildcard battle is still tight. The Reds are 1.5 games out of the final spot held by Arizona at 74-71. Miami sits in the middle half a game up on Cincy, and San Fran is only half a game back, pending the result of their game tonight against the Rockies. It will be interesting to see how the final couple of weeks go.
 
Dolph Drago
After dropping the first two, Cincy picked up a win in the final game in their series against the Cards. Hunter Greene and the bullpen threw a 1 hitter. Both India and Votto (on his 40th birthday) were reactivated from the IL and started. India hit a home run to left center in his first at bat. Votto blasted one later to deep, deep right, becoming the 9th player in MLB history to hit a dinger on his 40th.

The NL Wildcard battle is still tight. The Reds are 1.5 games out of the final spot held by Arizona at 74-71. Miami sits in the middle half a game up on Cincy, and San Fran is only half a game back, pending the result of their game tonight against the Rockies. It will be interesting to see how the final couple of weeks go.
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Mets might play spoiler for the wild card race as they only face NL Wild Card contenders the remainder of the year (Phillies, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Reds).
 
Blitz24
Mets might play spoiler for the wild card race as they only face NL Wild Card contenders the remainder of the year (Phillies, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Reds).
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That's pretty crazy. What are the odds they would play all these teams fighting for the final spots down the stretch? If you're out of the playoff race yourself, the most satisfying feeling must be knocking the other guys out that are trying to get in.
 
Dolph Drago
That's pretty crazy. What are the odds they would play all these teams fighting for the final spots down the stretch? If you're out of the playoff race yourself, the most satisfying feeling must be knocking the other guys out that are trying to get in.
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At this point, due to the strange circumstances with the draft lottery, I would prefer if the Mets just don't do much. If they get a top 6 draft pick in 2023, they avoid the Luxury Tax draft penalty until the 2nd round. If they pick 7th or worse, they get penalized 10 spots in the 2024 draft. As of right now, they are 6th and if they win too many games, they will likely fall into greater odds they drop to the 20th pick for the first round.
 
The Houston Astros should beat the lowly Oakland Athletics at home, right? Well, not so fast. Houston has struggled to win at home. The A's also have gotten the better of the Astros at times. Hopefully this doesn't come back to haunt the Astros even after just disposing of the San Diego Padres. Let's see what this three-game set brings.

* OAK Athletics at HOU Astros - 3 games

[GAME 1] I didn't see or follow any of this game, but the Astros failed again at home. They get blanked 4-0 to the Oakland Athletics. Here is another dubious stat I heard- this is the first time in MLB history that a team 50+ games under .500 went on to shut out a defending champion on the road.

[GAME 2] The Oakland Athletics picked up where they left off last night by banging in a run on a deep RBI (an almost homer) to right in the Top of the 1st. 1-0 early for the A's. The inning continued as the Athletics bombed a 2-run shot to left to make it a 3-0 lead for the A's. The Astros brought in one run with the bases loaded in the Bottom of the 1st on a groundout. The Astros cut the lead to 3-1. The new score was 4-1, Oakland, after a deep RBI by Oakland in the Top of the 3rd. Former Astro, Tony Kemp, blasted a solo bomb to right on the very first pitch of the Top of the 5th. Houston's offense is absolutely dormant with the nothing-to-lose Oakland A's. That all changed in the Bottom of the 5th with an RBI by the Astros. Oakland's lead is cut to 5-2 after Jeremy Peña's RBI down the left foul line. A slow dribbler along the left foul line brought home an Athletic to make it 6-2 in the Top of the 8th. I stopped following the game at this point. Final score: 6-2, Athletics.

[GAME 3] I'll begin my summary after three innings. At that point, it was a 4-0 Houston Astros lead over the Oakland Athletics. Back-to-back jacks by the Astros gave them a little more cushion in the Bottom of the 3rd. Yainer Diaz uncorks a deep RBI to right to bring home Michael Brantley in the Bottom of the 5th. Astros lead 5-0 after five innings. Kyle Tucker had liftoff on a solo bomb to right-center in the Bottom of the 7th. Not only was that his 27th homer of the year, it was also the 100th homer of his career. This jack the Astros' lead to 6-0. The Astros had a combined no-hitter going, but it was broken up in the Top of the 9th with one out. Oh, well. A win is more important than a no-hitter. At least the win was still alive for Houston. The shutout was later denied as the Athletics brought in a run on an RBI. The Astros' 6-0 shutout was now a 6-1 lead. A sacrifice fly by Oakland cut Houston's lead further to 6-2. Ryan Pressly not closing very well in this one. No further damage was done as Houston averts the sweep with a 6-2 victory. Seattle and Texas won their respective games on Wednesday, so the Astros maintain a 1-game lead in the AL West.

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-0; Oakland)
GM2: (6-2; Oakland)
GM3: (6-2; Houston)

UP NEXT: at KC Royals - 3 games, starting FRI

The 2023 Houston Astros are now 83-64 on the season, still hanging onto the AL West lead, but only barely.


What do you know? It's my first "IN!" report! The "IN!" report regards teams that clinched postseason berths or won their Division. Let's get the first team(s) to make the 2023 Postseason. Here goes:

...AL East Champions...
...AL Central Champions...
...AL West Champions...
...AL Wild Card 1...
...AL Wild Card 2...
...AL Wild Card 3...
Atlanta (NL East Champions)
...NL Central Champions...
...NL West Champions...
...NL Wild Card 1...
...NL Wild Card 2...
...NL Wild Card 3...

That's right- them boys from the ATL made the 2023 postseason.

Now... for teams DONE for the season... Chicago White Sox were officially eliminated from the postseason, as were the Colorado Rockies.


Congratulations to all series winners as well as those who won today/tonight!
 
When you avoid getting swept by one of the worst teams in the league, you probably should feel ashamed to even lose the series to such an opponent. Now the Houston Astros will meet the real team with the worst record in baseball... and on the road, no less. The Houston Astros will try to entertain the Kansas City Royals for a three-game weekend series. The AL West race is getting tight. It may also be a rough spot should the Astros get put into the AL Wild Card race should they relinquish the AL West lead they hold by one heading into the Friday game. Kansas City has nothing to play for, while the Houston Astros are trying to keep their postseason hopes and AL West lead alive. Here's how this series went...

* HOU Astros at KC Royals - 3 games

[GAME 1] When I first followed the game, Kansas City had a 3-1 lead on the Astros in the Top of the 6th. The Astros gave up a solo homer in the Bottom of the 8th to be down 4-1. Jose Abreu bombs a solo homer to left to try to keep hope alive for the Astros. They could do no better, as the Astros fell 4-2. Texas lost today at Cleveland 12-3, so no ground was lost (again).

[GAME 2] There was a rain delay before this game started. Kansas City got on the board first by bringing in two runs on an RBI double in the Bottom of the 1st. A sacrifice fly the same inning by Kansas City gave the last place Royals a 3-0 lead over the defending champions. Kansas City put on another run in the Bottom of the on a. In the Top of the 5th, Yanier Diaz put the Astros on the board by launching a solo bomb to center. Kansas City saw their lead get cut down to 4-1. Alex Bregman bangs an RBI single the same inning with two outs. The Royals' lead is now halved to 4-2- last night's score. Yordan Alvarez brought home Alex Bregman later that inning to bring the game to 4-3, Royals. The Royals drew a bases loaded walk in the Bottom of the 5th to go up 5-3. The Royals went up 6-3 in the Bottom of the , thanks to . José Altuve made it a brand-new game as he tied the game with a three-run jack in the Top of the 7th that made it 6-6. Kansas City re-took the lead in the Bottom of the 7th on a failed attempt to throw a runner at home out. The Royals keep on fighting and now lead 7-6. Make that 8-6 after another error. A sacrifice fly made it 9-6, and KC is just pulling away further and further. The Royals hit a homer to left in the Bottom of the 8th, and I stopped watching. Final score: 10-8, Royals. Again the Rangers lost, so no ground made up on them. The Astros are making the teams eliminated from the postseason look like title contenders in this stretch.

[GAME 3] The Houston Astros are looking to avoid getting swept at the Kansas City Royals. Mission accomplished. 7-1 was the final in Kansas City as the Houston Astros avoided getting swept by the lowly Kansas City Royals.

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (4-2; Kansas City)
GM2: (10-8; Kansas City)
GM3: (7-1; Houston)

UP NEXT: vs. BAL Orioles - 3 games, starting MON

The 2023 Houston Astros are now 84-66 on the season, still hanging onto the AL West lead, but only barely by 1.5 over Texas. Though Seattle won today, we're now ahead 2.5 games over Seattle. The AL West may come down to the final series of the regular season. Houston probably should have got a series win (or even a sweep) over Kansas City. Well, things aren't going to get much better for Houston as the AL's best record comes to Houston for a three-game set. Baltimore's in the Playoffs while the Astros have a chance to get in and maybe try to keep their AL West winning hopes alive. Astros need to step up this upcoming series against the powerful Orioles.


Let's update the list of teams that are "IN!" now:

Baltimore (clinched berth)
Tampa Bay (clinched berth)
...AL East Champions...
...AL Central Champions...
...AL West Champions...
...AL Wild Card 1...
...AL Wild Card 2...
...AL Wild Card 3...
Atlanta (NL East Champions)
...NL Central Champions...
Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
...NL Wild Card 1...
...NL Wild Card 2...
...NL Wild Card 3...

Now... for teams DONE for the season... the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are DONE. So no playoffs for the two American League California teams.


Congratulations to all series winners as well as those who won today/tonight!
 
So you're a playoff contender, and you fail in back-to-back series against weak sauce teams? The Houston Astros avoided getting swept by Oakland at home and Kansas City on the road. Now the Astros get a quality opponent who WILL be in the Playoffs. Time to step it up, Astros. Let's see if they did just that with this final home stand of the regular season...

* BAL Orioles at HOU Astros - 3 games

[GAME 1] When I first followed the game, it was a 7-5 lead for the Houston Astros Baseball Club in the Bottom of the 8th. Martin Maldonaldo hit a solo homer in the Bottom of the 8th to put Houston up a little more. The Astros saw their lead go up in smoke thanks to Baltimore smoking a three-run bomb to right-center in the Top of the 9th. Baltimore goes ahead 8-7. Maybe that homer was payback for Kyle Tucker hitting a Grand Slam in Baltimore for the Astros to win that one game. The Astros fell due to poor pitching and (again) inept offense trying to mount a comeback win. Baltimore takes Game 1 by an 8-7 margin. The Astros' "Magic Number" is at 11 while Texas and Seattle's "Magic Number" is 12.

[GAME 2] The game was tied at 2-2 when I first followed the game in the Top of the 2nd. Astros want to force a Rubber Game after the closing pitching failed them last night. Baltimore bombs a three-run jack to left in the Top of the 3rd to go up 5-2. BOOM! Breggy Bomb! Alex Bregman launched a solo bomb to left in the Bottom of the 3rd to cut the O's lead to 5-3. Baltimore bunted in the Top of the 6th to bring home a runner to make it a 6-3 lead for the O's. A deep RBI to left was hit by Baltimore the same inning to go up 7-3. As if the Astros haven't had icicles on their offense and defense, they've really gone ice cold now. There is no denying the Baltimore Orioles are for real and are a quality team. Maybe one prediction that the Orioles would be the next MLB dynasty was right. Chas McCormick may have missed out on a two-run homer in the Bottom of the 6th, but Yanier Diaz didn't! Astros cut Baltimore's lead to 7-5 on the Diaz dinger. Baltimore bombs another one, this time to left-center. Baltimore up 8-5 now. After another bomb connected by Baltimore that same inning, I stopped watching as the Orioles went up 9-5. That was the final score in this one- 9-5, Baltimore Orioles.

[GAME 3] This Wednesday afternoon game can say a lot about where the Astros may go from here in the AL West race and maybe the AL Wild Card as well. My first view of this game, the game was 1-0 in favor of Baltimore in the Top of the 7th. The Astros finally shown life as a deep RBI to right tied the game at 1-1 in the Bottom of the 8th. The Astros walked it off in the Bottom of the 9th thanks to an RBI by the "Honduran Hammer," Mauricio Dubon to avoid getting swept. That's now three straight times they avoided getting swept. Texas dominated Boston 15-5, and Seattle completed their sweep of Oakland with a 6-3 score. So not much more an AL West cushion for Houston after today.

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (8-7; Baltimore)
GM2: (9-5; Baltimore)
GM3: (2-1; Houston)

UP NEXT: vs. KC Royals - 3 games, starting FRI

The 2023 Houston Astros are now 85-68 on the season, still [somehow] atop the AL West. All three contending AL West teams have 68 losses now. All the Astros can do right now is handle their business. We still have to play at Seattle later this month. When the Astros could be getting hot at the right moment, they are instead getting cold at the wrong moment. The final regular season home series of 2023 is coming up in a revenge series against the Royals. With the Astros freefalling like mad, tensions are rising in Houston as the Astros may entirely miss out the postseason entirely, meaning we'll have a new Champion this postseason. The Astros basically will need to win every remaining series (sweep if possible) to keep their postseason hopes alive.


As of the time of this post, no changes in the Postseason list. Here's the list as it stands:

Baltimore (clinched berth)
Tampa Bay (clinched berth)
...AL East Champions...
...AL Central Champions...
...AL West Champions...
...AL Wild Card 1...
...AL Wild Card 2...
...AL Wild Card 3...
Atlanta (NL East Champions)
...NL Central Champions...
Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
...NL Wild Card 1...
...NL Wild Card 2...
...NL Wild Card 3...


Congratulations to all series winners as well as those who won today/tonight!


NOTE I'm surprised I didn't post this sooner! It's just been hanging here as a draft!
 
No one new to report on the "IN!" list, but we have to say goodbye to some teams' postseason hopes. And they include: Boston, Washington, and St. Louis.

Now for the teams still in it, here is a list of the Division leaders:

! = clinched playoffs
!! = won division

--- CURRENT DIVISION LEADERS ---
AL EAST: Baltimore! (95-58)
AL CENTRAL: Minnesota (81-72)
AL WEST: Houston (85-68)
NL EAST: Atlanta! (98-55)
NL CENTRAL: Milwaukee (87-66)
NL WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers!! (94-58)

--- CURRENT WILD CARD ---
AL: TB (94-60), TOR (85-68), TEX and SEA (84-68 each)
NL: PHI (84-69), ARI (81-72), MIA (79-74)

All three remaining AL West contenders have 68 losses. Houston has 85 wins, and both Texas and Seattle each have 84 wins on the season. The 3rd and final NL Wild Card spot is in a three-way tie between three teams with 79 wins each. Miami and the Chicago Cubs have the same 79-74 record. The Cincinnati Reds have a record of 79-75 on the season.

Suffice to say, things are going to get real serious. This weekend and all of next week will help determine who'll be going to the postseason and who will have to empty their lockers and go on vacation. Hopefully your beloved team(s) get in this season if they are still alive.


Enjoy this weekend's games!
 
Losing two of three against the Twins didn't help the Reds in the wildcard race. What's especially frustrating is the pitching line Greene put up in the finale, only to see the bullpen blow the lead. The same bullpen that had been dominant the past few weeks.
Pitchers - CINIPHRERBBK
Greene, H7.0311114


Cincinnati has 8 games remaining on the schedule. A 3 game homestand against the Buccos, a off day, a short 2 game set up in Cleveland, another off day, then the final series of the regular season out in St. Louis for 3 days. Oddly, the Reds have been better on the road this season than at home. I don't know how the season is going to turn out. I'm hoping we somehow grab one of those wildcard spots, but it's going to be a tough go. What's maddening is seeing the National League best Braves imploding against the Marlins and getting swept. Along with that, Arizona has gone on a 5 game winning streak.
NL Wild Card TeamsWLPCTWCGBWCEL10STRKRSRADIFFX-W/LHOMEAWAY>.500Next Game
Philadelphia8469.549+4.5-6-4W2751677+7484-6944-3140-3842-41Sep 22 vs NYM
Arizona8172.529+1.5-6-4W5713729-1675-7843-3538-3732-39Sep 22 @ NYY
Chi Cubs8074.519--3-7W1782685+9786-6843-3637-3833-43Sep 23 vs COL
Miami7974.5160.595-5L1637679-4272-8144-3435-4034-45Sep 22 vs MIL
Cincinnati7975.5131.086-4L2720767-4773-8137-4142-3438-44Sep 22 vs PIT
San Francisco7677.4973.563-7L3657686-2973-8043-3233-4539-43Sep 22 @ LAD
 
The season isn't over yet, but it is so cringe watching the Houston Astros right now. When they should be stamping their foot down and take control late, they are getting cold at the wrong time (as opposed to getting hot at the right time). Texas re-took the AL West lead by defeating Seattle last night followed by us losing to Kansas City. The run of success across successive seasons may come to a screeching halt if the Astros are ousted from any playoff contention. The series summary of KC at HOU to come when the series concludes.
 
I feel ya. Cincy is doing the same thing. 3 straight losses. The D'backs and Marlins got demolished last night, and the Reds couldn't take advantage.
 
Northstar
The Twins secured their spot to lose in the first round of the playoffs!
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You have an outside chance as the Yankees will likely NOT be your opponent.

Meanwhile, I'm not sure what the Reds are doing. Usually when you are winning 9-0, you tend to win the game. Reds lose 13-12 to the Pirates.
 
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Blitz24
Meanwhile, I'm not sure what the Reds are doing. Usually when you are winning 9-0, you tend to win the game. Reds lose 13-12 to the Pirates.
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Yep, 9-0 blown lead. 13 unanswered runs by the Pirates. Then the Reds claw back in the final two innings, only to to lose the game by 1, unable to get a runner home from 3rd base with only 1 out.

The season is over. We have a 4 man starting rotation, I think 3 of them rookies, for the remainder of the season due to injuries. The bullpen meanwhile is worn out and can't take anymore. The relievers have been pummeled the past 3 games. It would take a miracle to grab a wildcard spot now. Even if we do, I can't see us making it past the first round.

Despite stumbling as the season comes to a close, I'm still proud of this team. To go from losing 100 games to nearly making the playoffs the next year is quite the feat. It was exciting watching all the young talent come up and perform. And the win streak - What incredibly fun that was! Other than the occasional offensive struggle that every rookie experienced at one time or another (as one would expect with players just breaking into the bigs), the injury bug was ultimately the team's undoing. I think every player on the team spent time on the IL. Regardless, I'm stoked for next year.
 
I just saw the highlights of last night's Pirates and Reds game on YouTube, and all I can say is... wow. You know, this reminds me of a game earlier this season between the Astros at Rangers. We were up big until Texas came storming back. However, we still managed to win that game. How you go from leading 9-0 to losing 13-12 is astonishing. Did Cincy think they scored enough runs to win? Did they relax their guard too much when up big? Or did the Pirates simply troll the Reds? This should have been a win for Cincinnati. Pittsburgh, though, had other ideas. They shown more fight in this game than my free-falling Astros have done nearly all this month.

Let me say it again- baseball is a weird sport.
 
The Houston Astros lost three straight series and avoided getting swept three straight times. Houston seeks revenge against the Royals. Houston basically needs to win as many games as possible to help their postseason cause. With nine games left on the season, Houston's grind to return to the postseason and defend their World Series crown begins NOW.

* KC Royals at HOU Astros - 3 games

[GAME 1] It was 7-2, Royals was the score when I first followed this game at the Top of the 7th. Astros are looking at the Rangers and Mariners possibly leap frogging the Astros should they drop this game tonight. The Astros shown some fight (FINALLY) with a three-run bomb by Chas McCormick in the Bottom of the 8th. The lead is now cut down to 7-5. Astros fading down the stretch again, all the way to a 7-5 loss.

[GAME 2] Houston trying to get back to winning to save their season start off tonight's game with the Royals ahead on a sacrifice fly in the Top of the 1st. The floundering continues for Houston down 1-0 early in this one. The Astros allowed two runs to score in the Top of the 5th to put the Royals up 3-0. The Astros had liftoff on a solo jack to left as they cut the Royals' lead to 3-1 in the Bottom of the 7th. Chas McCormick doing the damage that time. An RBI in the Bottom of the 8th by Houston drew the Astros closer. Royals lead is now 3-2 with Houston threatening. Kansas City held on to win 3-2.

[GAME 3] I had to be part of a family gathering today, so I didn't get to see the game much on TV. Before I left, Kansas City was up 3-0 on the Astros in around the Top of the 2nd. Astros battled back. However, they end up getting swept by the worst record team in baseball. The final to this one- 6-5, Kansas City.

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (7-5; Kansas City)
GM2: (3-2; Kansas City)
GM3: (6-5; Kansas City)

UP NEXT: at SEA Mariners - 3 games, starting MON

The 2023 Houston Astros are now 85-71 on the season, now 2nd in the AL West and falling. The Houston Astros' run of success may be over and may have to settle for next season for a "Take it Back" attempt. We clinched our first home losing record since 2014(?). The Astros have shown little to no fight and constantly are trying to get the offense and pitching to warm up. It may all be too late. All the Astros can hope for now is to win (or even sweep) Seattle next followed by the season finale series at Arizona. Astros may have to settle for 2024 to return to the postseason if 2023 ends up being a lost cause.


Here's the list of playoff teams as it stands (new entries in italics:

Baltimore (clinched berth)
Tampa Bay (clinched berth)
...AL East Champions...
Minnesota (AL Central Champions)
...AL West Champions...
...AL Wild Card 1...
...AL Wild Card 2...
...AL Wild Card 3...
Milwaukee (clinched berth)
Atlanta (NL East Champions)
...NL Central Champions...
Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
...NL Wild Card 1...
...NL Wild Card 2...
...NL Wild Card 3...

Teams eliminated from the postseason as of the time of this post: New York Yankees, Cleveland, Detroit, New York Mets, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.


Congratulations to all series winners as well as those who won today/tonight!
 
There has been no hope for the Houston Astros of late. When they probably could make ground and get ready for the postseason, they may not even make the postseason now. September stumbling has put the Astros in a position where they will have to win as many games as possible and hope other teams fall to preserve any postseason hope. Is the Astros' run of success over? Will they have to do a "Take it Back" or "comeback" campaign in 2024? Three LATE GAMES at the Seattle Mariners could determine the Astros' fate. These games may also make the Seattle Mariners try to stay afloat on a sinking ship for the postseason if the Astros take this series. So let's get it!

* HOU Astros at SEA Mariners - 3 games

[GAME 1] When I first saw this game, it was a 5-0 lead for Houston in the Bottom of the 6th. It was classless when José Altuve got hit by pitch in the Top of the 9th as a number of the Mariners fans were cheering. The shutout was averted in the Bottom of the 9th on a Sacrifice Fly by the Seattle Mariners. The score was now 5-1 with the Astros still leading. That was the final score- 5-1. There's still hope for H-Town's baseball team...

[GAME 2] It was Christian Javier (HOU) vs. George Kirby (SEA) in pitching for this one. Kirby has been an Astros killer. Kyle Tucker makes a great catch to avoid a base hit, but he later overthrows to 3rd base allowing a Mariner to cross home plate. So Seattle goes up 1-0 in the Bottom of the 3rd. A sacrifice fly the same inning made it a 2-0 lead for Seattle. Fast-forward to the 6th, and it is now 5-0, Seattle Mariners. We put five on the Mariners last night, and the Mariners respond with five runs of their own tonight so far. A dumb moment happened when a Seattle fan somehow threw a baseball from the stands that ended up hitting George Kirby on his chest. That fan was immediately thrown out of the ballpark after they saw who did it. A sacrifice fly by the Astros in the Top of the 7th put Houston on the board. The Astros cut the defecit to 5-1. No scoring happened again until Seattle smashed a solo shot to left-center to go up 6-1 as it would soon be Midnight here in Central Time for this late game.. I stopped watching. Rubber Game tomorrow night. It's just another case of the Astros not being able to take advantage of fails elsewhere, since the Rangers and Blue Jays lost earlier today. It's teeth-grinding cringe how the Astros can't capitalize on others' woes. Anyhow- the final score for Game 2: 6-2, Seattle.

[GAME 3] The Rubber Game of this series can go a long way to determine postseason hopes for both Houston and Seattle. Seattle needed only two pitches to go up in Game 3. JP Crawford bangs one to deep right for the Mainers to go up 1-0. Already looking bad for Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros. Yordan Alvarez hit a deep bomb to right-center to level the game at 1-1 in the Top of the 4th. The "Honduran Hammer," Mauricio Dubon, bangs a three-run jack to left to put Houston up 4-1 in the same Top of the 4th. Seattle responds with a two-run RBI in the Bottom of the 4th with the bases loaded and two outs. It is now 4-3, Astros with the pressure mounting. The Astros scored on RBIs in the Top of the 7th to go up 5-3, 6-3, and 7-3. Martin Maldonaldo had liftoff on a solo jack to left in the Top of the 8th. That ball went up about as high as the Space Needle, as the Astros went up 8-3 after The Machete's bomb. The Houston Astros went from down 1-0 early to win 8-3. There is still hope for the Astros heading to the postseason!

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (5-1; Houston)
GM2: (6-2; Seattle)
GM3: (8-3; Houston)

UP NEXT: at ARI Diamondbacks - 3 games, starting FRI

The 2023 Houston Astros are now 87-72 on the season, still 2nd in the AL West to the leading Texas Rangers (now 89-69). We are still hanging onto the final AL Wild Card slot. Toronto is still 2nd in the AL Wild Card with a record of 87-71. The final series of the regular season happens at a postseason-hungry Arizona Diamondbacks. Both Houston and Arizona are fighting for their postseason lives and will battle tooth-and-nail in Phoenix to determine whether either or both will make the 2023 postseason. So this upcoming series is going to be one of desperation for both sides. One of three things can happen after this series- (1) Houston [miraculously] wins the AL West, (2) we hold on for a Wild Card berth in the 3rd slot or even the 2nd slot, or (3) we miss the playoffs entirely and be done for the season.


Here's the list of playoff teams as it stands (new entries and changes in italics):

Baltimore (clinched berth)
Tampa Bay (clinched berth)
...AL East Champions...
Minnesota (AL Central Champions)
...AL West Champions...
...AL Wild Card 1...
...AL Wild Card 2...
...AL Wild Card 3...
Milwaukee (clinched berth)
Atlanta (NL East Champions, clinched best record in the league)
Milwaukee (NL Central Champions)
Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
Philadelphia (clinched berth)
...NL Wild Card 2...
...NL Wild Card 3...

Teams eliminated from the postseason as of the time of this post: San Francisco.


Congratulations to all series winners as well as those who won today/tonight! One more regular season series to go for all 30 teams!
 
It would take a miracle, but the Reds can still technically grab a playoff spot. @JohnBM01's 'Stros taking down the D-backs would help. And Cincy sweeping the Cards of course. Fat chance, but you never know. Knowing the Reds, St. Louis will probably do the sweeping, though.

A look at what would happen in the case of any ties. What a mess...:boggled:
www.mlb.com

3-team tie? 4-team tie?! Chaotic playoff scenarios, explained

As we head toward the end of the regular season on Sunday, several postseason races are poised to come down to the wire, and there are a number of absolutely chaotic scenarios still in play. When two teams finish in a tie for one spot, be it a division title
www.mlb.com www.mlb.com
 
Let's be honest- this final weekend of the regular season is going to be nuts.

Final series for the remaining teams (no. of games in parentheses; clinched playoff berth, division champions, best record = "!"):

--- AMERICAN LEAGUE ---
  • TB Rays! at TOR Blue Jays (3)
  • TEX Rangers at SEA Mariners (4)
  • HOU Astros at ARI Diamondbacks (3)

--- NATIONAL LEAGUE ---
  • PHI Phillies! at NYM Mets (3)
  • HOU Astros at ARI Diamondbacks (3)
  • MIA Marlins at PIT Pirates (3)
  • CHC Cubs at MIL Brewers! (3)
  • CIN Reds at STL Cardinals (3)
  • SD Padres at CHW White Sox (3)

A LOT is going to be settled this weekend. Games are going on right now among some of these teams in this post, but who actually will be in the postseason has yet to be determined. Buckle up for a wild ride. If your beloved team(s) still have postseason hope, cheer on your team to make it to the postseason!

I'm not going to even go through postseason clinch scenarios because it is very complicated. You all can share your thoughts on this topic, though.
 
Let me update the Playoff list. Here you go:

Baltimore (AL East Champions, clinched best record in the AL)
Minnesota (AL Central Champions)
...AL West Champions...
Tampa Bay (AL Wild Card 1)
...AL Wild Card 2...
...AL Wild Card 3...
Atlanta (NL East Champions, clinched best record in the NL)
Milwaukee (NL Central Champions)
Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
Philadelphia (clinched berth)
...NL Wild Card 2...
...NL Wild Card 3...

The remaining slots will be filled out this weekend. All I know is for the Astros to win the AL West (which is going to be very hard), two scenarios have to happen:

  • HOU sweeps at ARI, SEA takes 3-of-4 or sweeps TEX
  • HOU takes 2-of-3 at ARI, SEA sweeps TEX

I am VERY nervous about all of this. Help all of the teams trying to make the 2023 postseason...
 
One last series. One last chance to impress. Playoffs on the line for the Houston Astros and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Let's get it.

* HOU Astros at ARI Diamondbacks - 3 games

[GAME 1] JP France was set to pitch for the Astros, but he had a family emergency and was replaced by José Urquidy. José Abreu bombs one to center to put Houston up 3-0 in the Top of the 6th... until it was declared it was NOT a home run. It was instead a two-RBI shot by Abreu. So it's 2-0, Houston after it was originally called 3-0 after José Abreu's wicked shot after five scoreless innings. Houston missed out on a game-ending catch that could have resulted in a two-run homer, but a run scored to make it 2-1 in the Bottom of the 9th with two outs. The Houston Astros survive Game 1 with a 2-1 victory.

[GAME 2] The Houston Astros went up first thanks to a deep RBI to center by José Abreu. It wasn't as deep and as high as last night's would-be homer, but it did bring in a run. Make it a 1-0 lead for the Astros. Another pitching duel in this series as the Astros held on for a 1-0 victory; and on top of that, the Astros are IN the playoffs! Then too, so are the Arizona Diamondbacks after the Cincinnati Reds lost bad after smashing St. Louis last night. Sorry, Dolph Drago. Also eliminated are the Seattle Mariners after Texas hammered the M's 6-1 in Seattle. Houston can win the AL West [on a tie breaker] if they win on Sunday at Arizona followed by Seattle beating Texas.

[GAME 3] If the Astros and Mariners win today, Houston wins the 2023 AL West Championship. When I first checked in after seeing an awesome win by the Houston Texans, it was the Bottom of the 3rd and a 5-0 lead by the Houston Astros. Kyle Tucker had a base hit in the Top of the 5th that he tried to stretch to a double, then a triple, then an inside-the-part home run... and succeeded! It was later judged a triple and an error. I thought I saw the first inside-the-park homerun I can remember seeing live. Still, it's 6-0 now by the Astros. José Abreu FINALLY bombs one out of Chase Field after two deep shots that weren't homers! Third time was the charm as he brought home two Astros in the Top of the 7th with the Astros now leading 8-0. During the Middle of the 7th, it was reported the Seattle Mariners defeated the Texas Rangers 1-0. So all Houston needs to is hold onto this 8-0 lead to become the 2023 AL West Champions. This is currently the first time since 2012 where the Astros' starting pitching has pitched at least five innings of shutout baseball in consecutive games. The shutout was denied in the Bottom of the 8th on an RBI double, but the Astros lead is now down to 8-1 over the Arizona Diamondbacks. That was all the Snakes could pull off on this Sunday afternoon as it's easy money for the Houston Astros with an 8-1 victory and a sweep. This is the Astros' sixth AL West title since 2017 and seventh straight year making the Playoffs. Now this team can rest themselves and plan for their attack on the 2023 MLB Postseason. Praise the Lord!

--- REVIEW ---
GM1: (2-1; Houston)
GM2: (1-0; Houston)
GM3: (8-1; Houston)

UP NEXT: Playoffs! ALDS starting on Saturday

The 2023 Houston Astros finish the 2023 season 90-72, 2023 American League West Champions (somehow, someway)! The Astros' #Ready2Reign campaign continues when it was barely hanging on life support.

You know, I read a stat suggesting that the Houston Astros made it to the postseason seven times in the first 48 years of the franchise. Now they made it to the playoffs seven straight times. This really is the Golden Age of the Astros right now. Make all the trash can jokes and cheating jokes as you wish; we somehow get it done, especially lately. I couldn't be any happier as an Astros fan.


Here is your 2023 Playoffs alignments in my final "IN!" report:

Baltimore (AL East Champions, clinched best record in the AL)
Minnesota (AL Central Champions)
Houston (AL West Champions)
Tampa Bay (AL Wild Card 1)
Toronto (AL Wild Card 2)
Texas (AL Wild Card 3)
Atlanta (NL East Champions, clinched best record in the NL)
Milwaukee (NL Central Champions)
Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
Philadelphia (NL Wild Card 1)
Miami (NL Wild Card 2)
Arizona (NL Wild Card 3)

These are the 12 teams vying to win the Commissioners' Trophy for 2023. Congratulations to those who made it this far; better luck next season to those who failed to make it this far.


Congratulations to all series winners, as well as those who won today/tonight, and all who made the Playoffs!
 
The 2023 regular season is OVER. Here are how the final standings shape up:

(! = playoff team)

--- FINAL 2023 REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS ---
AL EAST: Baltimore! (101-61), TB! (99-63), TOR! (89-73), NYY (82-80), BOS (78-84)
AL CENTRAL: Minnesota! (87-75), DET (78-84), CLE (76-86), CHW (61-101), KC (56-106)
AL WEST: Houston! and Texas! (90-72 each), SEA (88-74), LAA (73-89), OAK (50-112)

NL EAST: Atlanta! (104-56), PHI! (90-72), MIA (84-78), NYM (75-81), WSH (71-91)
NL CENTRAL: Milwaukee! (92-70), CHC (83-79), CIN (82-80), PIT (76-86), STL (71-91)
NL WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers! (100-62), ARI! (84-78), SD (82-80), SF (79-83), COL (59-103)


Here are the alignments for the 2023 MLB Playoffs:

--- WILD CARD (Best-of-3; October 3 through October 5) ---
  • TEX Rangers at TB Rays
  • TOR Blue Jays at MIN Twins
  • ARI Diamondbacks at MIL Brewers
  • MIA Marlins at PHI Phillies

--- DIVISION SERIES (Best-of-5) ---
AL: October 7 through October 13
NL: October 8 through October 14

  • (TEX/TB winner) vs. BAL Orioles
  • (TOR/MIN winner) vs. HOU Astros
  • (ARI/MIL winner) vs. LAD Dodgers
  • (MIA-PHI) vs. ATL Braves

--- CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (Best-of-7) ---
AL: October 15 through October 23)
NL: October 16 through October 24)

  • (ALDS 1 winner) vs. (ALDS 2 winner)
  • (NLDS 1 winner) vs. (NLDS 2 winner)


--- WORLD SERIES (Best-of-7) ---
October 27 through November 4

* ALCS winner vs. NLCS winner


Who will claim the Commissioner's Trophy in 2023? Find out with all of us once the Playoff series start!


[UPDATE] Forgot Cincinnati. Sorry to my good mate Dolph Drago and all other GTPlanet Reds fans...
 
Last edited:
The Playoffs begin today! This is part of the new Playoffs format. Teams in the Wild Card round will need to prove themselves in order to extend their season. It's a best-of-3 deal to set up the Division series matches.


Enjoy the Wild Card action!
 
The streak is over!!!!



With how much crap the franchise received over the losing streak they're going to throw this team a full blown parade if they actually manage to advance. :lol:
 
Thirty teams played for the Postseason, 12 made it. The first goodbyes of the Playoff teams have been made as 12 became 8. Here's what happened:

* The Texas Rangers swept the best-of-3 Wild Card series at the Tampa Bay Rays. They advance to the ALDS to take on the No. 1 seed Baltimore Orioles.

* The Minnesota Twins swept the best-of-3 Wild Card series at the Toronto Blue Jays. They advance to the ALDS to take on the No. 2 seed (and defending Champion) Houston Astros in their half of the bracket.

* The 2022 World Series runners-up, the Philadelphia Phillies, swept the Miami Marlins to advance to the NLDS. They'll get the No. 1 seed Atlanta Braves in the NLDS.

* The Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Milwaukee Brewers. They will get the Los Angeles Dodgers in their round of the NLDS.


Rather... convincing Wild Card round, eh? All sweeps! So here are all the Division series:

SERIES ALIGNMENT: 1 and 2 home, 3 and 4* away, 5* home (* = if necessary)

--- AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISIONAL SERIES ---
  • #1 BAL Orioles vs. #5 TEX Rangers
  • #2 HOU Astros vs. #3 MIN Twins

--- NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISIONAL SERIES ---
  • #1 ATL Braves vs. #4 PHI Phillies
  • #2 LAD Dodgers vs. #6 ARI Diamondbacks


The Divisional fun begins Saturday. The higher-ranked seeds will be the Home team in the first two games of the Divisional Series. Anything can happen. Don't assume it will be a cakewalk for the higher-ranked teams. Don't take anybody lightly in the Playoffs. Congratulations and better luck next season to Tampa Bay, Toronto, Miami, and Milwaukee.
 
Twelve teams made the postseason. Now, eight remain. We begin the Divisional Series for the American League and National League. It is a best-of-5 to set up the Championship Series later this month. Which four will advance to the Championship Series for their respective League? Find out as the ALDS and NLDS begin proper. Enjoy the ALDS and NLDS!
 

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