MLB Playoffs: Yankees Advance to ALCS, Guardians Force Game 5 Against Tigers

The 2024 MLB playoffs continue to unfold with intense action, as several teams have secured their spots in the next rounds while others face elimination. The New York Yankees have advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) after defeating the Kansas City Royals 3-1 in Game 4 of their American League Division Series (ALDS). This victory marks the Yankees’ 11th ALCS appearance since 2000. Gerrit Cole delivered a standout performance, pitching seven innings and allowing only one run on six hits, while Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres contributed crucial runs.

In another ALDS series, the Cleveland Guardians forced a decisive Game 5 against the Detroit Tigers with a thrilling 5-4 win in Game 4. David Fry was the hero for the Guardians, hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning to take the lead and later executing a safety squeeze bunt in the ninth to add an insurance run. This win breaks the Guardians’ 11-game losing streak in postseason elimination games.

The National League Division Series (NLDS) also saw significant developments. The New York Mets advanced to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in their series. The Los Angeles Dodgers, meanwhile, staved off elimination by beating the San Diego Padres 8-0 in Game 4, forcing a Game 5 in their NLDS series.

The League Championship Series are set to begin on Sunday, October 13, with the ALCS featuring the Yankees against either the Guardians or the Tigers, depending on the outcome of their Game 5. The NLCS will see the Mets facing the winner of the Dodgers-Padres series. The World Series is scheduled to start either on Tuesday, October 22, or Friday, October 25, depending on the duration of the LCS.

The postseason schedule is packed with action, with the Wild Card Series having concluded and the Division Series nearing their end. The World Series could potentially run until Saturday, November 2, if it goes to a full seven games.