Rangers defeat Orioles 3-0

The Baltimore Orioles were the second luckiest team in the regular season, but their luck came to a screeching halt in the ALDS as the Texas Rangers spanked the 101-win Orioles. Hindsight is 20/20, but Baltimore really should’ve invested in some pitching help at the trade deadline—Texas scored 21 runs in the three-game sweep.

Astros defeat Twins 3-1

The Houston Astros are a dynasty.

This series victory over Minnesota marks the 7th straight season in which Houston has reached the ALCS (meanwhile my Blue Jays have lost seven straight playoff games… pain 🥲). In Game 3 and 4 in front of a rambunctious Minnesota crowd, the Twins put together a whopping six hits total—a clinical performance from the Astros’ pitching staff.

Also, Yordan Alvarez should be intentionally walked every time he comes up to the plate… .438 AVG, 1.783 OPS, and four homers so far this postseason. Not a bad encore to hitting the World Series-winning home run a year ago.

Diamondbacks defeat Dodgers 3-0

How about them Diamondbacks?

Arizona made quick work of their NL West-rival Dodgers in three games—they never even trailed in the series. Led by rookie sensation Corbin Carroll, the DBacks are headed to their first NLCS since 2007. Arizona is a young and dangerous team, who are truly starting to believe that they can be the 2023 World Series champs. And rightfully so, they hit four home runs in a single inning against the Dodgers in Game 3… they very well might have something special cooking this October.

Phillies defeat Braves 3-1

What. A. Series.

Philly completely shutdown Atlanta’s historic offense in Game 1, winning 3-0. In Game 2, things were not looking for the Braves, as they trailed 4-0 late in the game.

But thanks to a clutch homer from Austin Riley…

And an unreal defensive play from Michael Harris II…

The Braves escaped with a 1-1 series split.

But that is when the series shifted, as shortstop Orlando Arcia decided to poke the bear and chirp Bryce Harper of all people for his baserunning gaffe that ended G2. And oh boy, was that a mistake.

Harper and the Phillies came out in Game 3 looking for blood. Philadelphia won 10-2 and hit six homers in the process, including two from Harper himself. Harper also delivered one of the coldest photos in MLB history with his staredown of Arcia after one of his home runs (pictured above).

The Phillies then came out in their retro unis for G4 which essentially sealed the series—Philadelphia is heading to their second straight NLCS, and are my personal favorites to win this year’s World Series.