October 21

2018 – Two teams announce that they have hired a new manager for the 2019 season. The Angels settle on Brad Ausmus to replace long-time skipper Mike Scioscia, who retired at the end of the past season, while the Reds tab David Bell, for whom it will be a first opportunity to manage at the major league level, and who will become the fourth second-generation manager in major league history.

The Astros win Game 7 of the ALCS, 4 – 0, over the Yankees to clinch their-first ever American League pennant. Having also won one in the National League in 2005, they become the first team to have done so in both major leagues. In the game, the Astros get a great combined pitching performance by Charlie Morton, who goes the first five innings, and Lance McCullers, who pitches the last four, limiting the Yankees to just three hits. Evan Gattis and Jose Altuve hit solo homers and Brian McCann drives in two runs, as CC Sabathia is charged with the loss.

The Blue Jays extend the ALCS by taking Game 5, 7 – 1, at home against the Royals. Chris Colabello’s solo homer in the 2nd is the only run through the first five innings as pitchers Marco Estrada and Edinson Volquez are dominant, but the Jays take advantage of Volquez’s wildness to score four runs in the 6th and break the game open.

The Mets complete a sweep of the Cubs in the NLCS with an 8 – 3 win at Wrigley Field. They score 4 runs in the 1st and 2 in the 2nd to run away with the game, while Daniel Murphy, who is named MVP of the series, sets a new postseason record by homering in his sixth straight game.

2014 – The Giants take Game 1 of the World Series, 7 – 1, over the Royals. A two-run homer by Hunter Pence off James Shields fuels a three-run 1st inning, while Madison Bumgarner gives up only one run on three hits in seven innings. The loss ends Kansas City’s streak of 11 consecutive wins in the postseason, dating back to the 1985 World Series.

2013 – Two days after losing the 2013 ALCS, Tigers manager Jim Leyland announces he is retiring after a 22-year career as a big league skipper.

2012 – The Giants force a Game 7 in the NLCS by beating the Cardinals, 6 – 1, behind the pitching of Ryan Vogelsong, who wins for the second time of the Series. The Giants jump on Chris Carpenter for 5 runs in the first two innings to quickly put the game away. Vogelsong strikes out a career-high 9 batters, while Marco Scutaro is the offensive star with a two-run double in the 2nd inning.

Pleased to be staying in Detroit, Brandon Inge signs an $11.5 million, two-year deal to remain with the Tigers. The 33 year-old infielder, prone to striking out, is better known for his defensive prowess at third base than for his hitting.