The NLDS game between the Cubs and the Nationals is a true pitchers’ duel between Kyle Hendricks and Stephen Strasburg. Chicago does not get its first hit until 2 are out in the top of the 6th, by Kris Bryant, but it scores Javier Baez who had reached on an error by 3B Anthony Rendon. Bryant takes second on the throw from the outfield and scores on Anthony Rizzo’s single, and those two unearned runs are all Chicago needs, as they go on to win 3 – 0 and Washington only manages 2 hits.

In the other ALDS, New York takes an early 8 – 3 lead over Cleveland, with a two-run homer by Gary Sanchez and a three-run blast by Aaron Hicks. They chase Corey Kluber before the end of the 3rd inning, but the Indians come back after CC Sabathia is taken out of the game, thanks to a grand slam by Francisco Lindor and a solo homer by Jay Bruce off David Robertson in the 9th. Finally, in the 13th inning, Yan Gomes drives in Austin Jackson from second against a tiring Dellin Betances to give Cleveland a 9 – 8 win and a two-games-to-none lead.

On a day when there are games played in all four division series, Houston starts thing off by winning Game 2 of the ALDS, 8 – 2 over the Red Sox. Carlos Correa is the hero, with a two-run homer off Drew Pomeranz in the 1st and a two-run double off Addison Reed in the 6th that extinguishes Boston’s last hopes. George Springer adds a solo homer as Dallas Keuchel picks up the win with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball.

In the other ALDS, Trevor Bauer muzzles the Yankees, allowing just 2 hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings while striking out 8, as Cleveland wins Game 1. A two-run homer by Jay Bruce off Sonny Gray in the 4th is the big blow for the Indians.

Jose Altuve has a gigantic game, hitting three homers, to lead the Astros to an 8 – 2 win over the Red Sox in Game 1 of their Division Series. Justin Verlander continues his excellent work since having been acquired in a trade on August 31st by notching the win with six solid innings of work, while Chris Sale is hit hard in getting saddled with the loss.

2017 – The Diamondbacks outlast the Rockies, 11 – 8 in an appropriately wild National League Wild Card Game. Arizona is up 3 – 0 on a homer by Paul Goldschmidt before Rockies starter Jon Gray has recorded an out, and adds a run in the 2nd and a two-run homer by Daniel Descalso in the 3rd to make it 6 – 0. However, Colorado chases Zack Greinke with 4 runs in the 4th and closes to within one run before pitcher Archie Bradley stuns everyone with a two-out, two-run triple off Pat Neshek in bottom of the 7th. But, undaunted, the Rockies strike back, with back-to-back homers by Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story off Bradley in the 8th to move back within one run before Arizona adds three more runs in the bottom of the inning. Colorado manages one last run off closer Fernando Rodney in the 9th, but it’s not enough to change the final result.