The 2024 MLB season has been one for the ages. Shohei Ohtani stole 59 bases and hit 54 home runs, the only player to ever achieve such a distinction; breakout years from promising rookies like Paul Skenes and Jackson Chourio, a Cy Young caliber comeback season for veteran left-hander Chris Sale after years of injury, and so much more. As this storied season reaches its conclusion, fans have been treated to a memorable postseason filled with upsets, clutch performances and intense rivalries. The road to the World Series has seen several teams battle their way through the Wild Card, Division and Championship series, and now the iconic showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees is underway, the first time these teams have met in the world series since 1981, and a record twelfth time overall.
Wild Card Series Recap
The playoffs began with the Wild Card Series, featuring four best-of-three matchups that set the tone for the excitement to come in later rounds. In the American League, two Wild Card Series were held:
The Detroit Tigers stunned the baseball world by sweeping the heavily favored Houston Astros 2-0. The Tigers’ pitching was dominant, ending Houston’s streak of ten consecutive Game 1 postseason wins as well as their historic streak of seven consecutive championship series appearances. Detroit’s left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a standout performance in Game 1, setting up their advance to the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Kansas City Royals also pulled off an upset, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-0. The Royals’ pitching was crucial, securing a Game 1 shutout in Baltimore and only allowing 1 run in Game 2. Kansas City’s success allowed them to move on to face the New York Yankees in the next round.
Similarly, in the National League, two series were held:
The New York Mets triumphed over the Milwaukee Brewers in a hard-fought 2-1 series. The Mets’ skillful offense and strong bullpen led them to victory. After winning Game 1 with an 8-4 score, the Mets bounced back from a blown Game 2 loss to clinch the decisive Game 2 and advance to the Division Series.
The San Diego Padres showcased their postseason prowess by sweeping the Atlanta Braves 2-0. Missing the ace of their pitching staff in Chris Sale, Atlanta was shut out in Game 1 4-0. They followed up with a 5-4 win in Game 2, sending the Padres to a matchup against the Dodgers.
Division Series
In the Division Series, the competition heated up as teams vied for a spot in the Championship Series:
Two American League Division Series were held, pitting the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals, and the Cleveland Guardians against the Detroit Tigers.
The Yankees dominated the Royals in a 3-1 series win, with Giancarlo Stanton leading their offense. Game 1 was a nailbiter, ending in a 6-5 victory for New York. Despite the Royals’ strong efforts, the Yankees’ depth and bullpen proved decisive.
The Cleveland Guardians overcame the Tigers 3-1, utilizing their consistent pitching to neutralize Detroit’s young and scrappy lineup. The Guardians then prepared for a formidable championship series matchup with the Yankees.
In the National League, the Dodgers faced off against their division rival Padres in a grueling five-game series. After trailing 2-1, Los Angeles rallied to win the final two games, advancing to the National League Championship Series. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts were instrumental in their comeback.
The New York Mets pulled off a major upset by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1. Strong performances from Veterans and timely hitting from young third baseman Mark Vietnos helped New York to their first championship series since 2015 and only their second since 2006.
Championship Series
The championship series brought more drama as teams battled for the chance to represent their league in the World Series.
In the American League Championship Series, the Yankees continued their postseason dominance, defeating the Guardians 4-1, and winning their record 41st American League pennant. Despite a valiant effort from Cleveland, New York’s offense, again led by Giancarlo Stanton, as well as Juan Soto, was relentless, and their pitching staff shut down key Guardians hitters. This victory secured the Yankees’ first World Series berth since 2009.
The Dodgers met the Mets in a tightly contested series. Los Angeles won 4-2, led by key contributions from switch-hitting shortstop Tommy Edman. Despite the Mets’ best efforts, the Dodgers’ depth and experience ultimately carried them to another world series appearance, their fourth in seven years.
World Series Update: Dodgers vs. Yankees
The 2024 World Series, a clash between two historic franchises — the best two teams by record in all of Major League Baseball this year — began with the Dodgers taking a 1-0 lead after a thrilling 6-3 walkoff win in Game 1. The highlight of the game was a dramatic extra-inning grand slam by Freddie Freeman, propelling Los Angeles to victory. Game 2 is scheduled for October 26, where the Yankees will aim to even the series before heading back to New York.
