Today could be the last day this year with multiple MLB games. Enjoy it if you can!
The reason this could be the end is that there is no guarantee of tomorrow for the 2026 Dodgers. They are on the brink of being swept by the Brewers, and if that happens, then there will be no Game 5, 6, or 7 for the NLCS. The AL will play on until one of those teams gets to four wins and the Brewers will wait for them. People will start to wonder if it will be like the “Rocktober” Colorado Rockies of 2007, who swept the NLCS and while
the AL series went seven games, then were swept in turn in the World Series.
Before we find out about what happens with the NL series, the AL will be playing. It’s an early 1pm game for the LCS, because the forecast for rain in Cleveland has resulted in the game being moved up from its originally planned start time. That first pitch is now set for 1pm. The Guardians will play the next three at home against the Rays. I am interested to see who emerges in this series. The Game 3 winner will feel like they’ve got the edge.
Dodgers-Brewers Game 4 is set for an 8pm start time. Much less chance of weather disruption in Los Angeles.
Tampa Bay Game 3 starting lineup
- Yandy Díaz – DH
- Jonathan Aranda – 1B
- Junior Caminero – 3B
- Victor Mesa Jr. – RF
- Chandler Simpson – LF
- Liam Hicks – C
- Jonny DeLuca – CF
- Richie Palacios – 2B
- Taylor Walls – SS
Tampa’s starter, Griffin Jax, had a 3.53 ERA in 112.1 regular season innings. Not too shabby for him.
Cleveland Game 3 starting lineup
- Steven Kwan – LF
- José Ramírez – 3B
- Chase DeLauter – RF
- Jo Adell – DH
- Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
- Travis Bazzana – 2B
- Patrick Bailey – C
- Petey Halpin – CF
- Brayan Rocchio – SS
Cleveland’s Gavin Williams is on a “Mike Mussina in the 1997 postseason” run for the Guardians so far these playoffs. If he keeps that up today, his team is going to have a strong chance of taking the 2-1 lead in the series. In some sense, it’s not surprising, in that Williams is striking out a ton of dudes in the postseason and that’s what he did in the regular season too. He had a 3.76 ERA in the regular season even with all of those strikeouts. Through three postseason games, he’s looking at a 1.54. Pretty good.
