The Toronto Blue Jays They sealed their ticket to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time since 2016, after beating the New York Yankees and win the division series 3-1.
Toronto’s bullpen was the key: eight relievers combined to strike out 10 batters and allow just six hits. Jeff Hoffman got the final four outs, sealing the victory by striking out Cody Bellinger after giving up an RBI to Aaron Judge.
Nathan Lukes was the offensive hero with a two-run single in the seventh inning that broke the tie, taking advantage of an error by Jazz Chisholm Jr.. Myles Straw extended the lead in the eighth, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his great series with an RBI in the first inning.
Toronto outscored New York 34-19 in the four games, the fourth-best offensive record in the first four games of a postseason in history, according to MLB.com.
Despite the efforts of Aaron Judge, who hit an impressive .600/.684/.933, the Yankees could not accompany him offensively. Cam Schlittler took the loss after allowing four runs (two earned) in 6.1 innings.
Now, the Blue Jays await the winner of Mariners-Tigers, whose decisive Game 5 will be this Friday. Game 1 of the ALCS will be played Sunday at the Rogers Centre.
Detroit Tigers react and force Game 5 against the Mariners
The Detroit Tigers kept their season alive by beating the Seattle Mariners 9-3 in Game 4 of the ALDS, with Riley Greene and Javier Báez starring.
Detroit had a four-run rally in the sixth inning, with a 454-foot home run by Greene — the longest at Comerica Park since 2023 — followed by a double by Spencer Torkelson and a home run by Báez that made the score 7-3. “We are going to Seattle with a lot of optimism because we have the best pitcher in baseball,” said manager AJ Hinch. referring to Tarik Skubal, who will start Game 5.
The Tigers scored nine runs, their most in the postseason since the 1968 World Series. Reliever Troy Melton took the victory with three impeccable innings.
Chicago Cubs avoid sweep against Milwaukee
In the National League, the Chicago Cubs survived the division series by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 at Wrigley Field.
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run single in the first inning, key to a four-run drive that set the tone for the game.
Leadoff homer Michael Busch became the first player in history with multiple leadoff homers in a single playoff series.
Chicago’s bullpen withstood the final pressure, with Brad Keller recording a four-out save after striking out Jake Bauers with a 97 mph fastball.
“We’re going to play like every inning is the first,” manager Craig Counsell said after the win.
Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies to avoid elimination against the Dodgers
The Philadelphia Phillies also stayed alive in the NLDS by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 at Dodger Stadium.
The star was Kyle Schwarber, who hit two home runs, including a monumental 455-foot shot that cleared the right field, joining Willie Stargell as the only ones to do so.
“It’s ridiculous how far that ball went,” teammate Trea Turner said. “That hit changed the energy of the team”
Starter Ranger Suárez turned in five solid innings of relief, while veteran Clayton Kershaw, in his final season, was punished for six hits and five runs in his final postseason appearance.
Game 4 will be played this Thursday, with Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies) facing Tyler Glasnow (Dodgers).
Summary of the MLB day: total excitement in the 2025 playoffs
Toronto Blue Jays advance to ALCS (vs. Mariners or Tigers).
Detroit Tigers force Game 5 against Seattle.
Cubs and Phillies avoid elimination in the National League.
The 2025 Major League playoffs are experiencing days of maximum tension with series that will be defined on the limit and unexpected heroes shining in October.
