The Astros begin defending their World Series on Saturday. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato via Getty Images)
After the MLB Wild Card Round is complete, the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds enter the fray. The Orioles, Astros, Braves and Dodgers begin their postseason journey on Saturday with LDS Game 1s. Some were more successful than others.
The Orioles experienced the Rangers’ new momentum in their ALDS Game 1. The playoff energy at Camden Yards was unmatched, but Texas still cruised to a 3-2 victory thanks to just enough offense and just enough pitching.
The Twins won their first playoff game since 2004 with a Game 1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays and then completed the sweep in Game 2. The defending World Series champion Astros proved to be a different animal. Two home runs from Yordan Alvarez and six scoreless innings from Justin Verlander led Houston to a 6-4 win in Game 1.
The Braves, by far the MLB’s best batting team in the regular season, were defeated by the Phillies in a 3-0 victory, with Ranger Suarez and the Philadelphia bullpen combining for a brilliant performance. Bryce Harper contributed a home run, while another run followed a questionable catcher’s interference call that resulted in Atlanta fans throwing trash onto the field.
Both the Orioles and Twins will try to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday, while the Braves will have to wait until Monday.
With all four Game 1s taking place on Saturday, you can sit back, relax and watch a full day of playoff baseball action. Not a bad way to spend the weekend.
Follow along as Yahoo Sports provides the latest scores, news and injuries on the first day of ALDS and NLDS action.