Rivalries. Revenge. And one really awkward handshake in the Windy City. Week 5 of the APBL delivered everything a fantasy baseball fan could want — and then some.

Giants Channel Championship Magic… Again

In the most talked-about matchup of the week, the San Francisco Giants (2-3) pulled off a stunning upset of the powerhouse Cincinnati Reds (4-1), 356–254. The win echoed last year’s APBL Championship game, when the Giants toppled the same Reds squad to claim the crown. While the Giants haven’t had the cleanest start to 2025, they seem to have the Reds' number — and they needed every bit of that edge to claw their way back to .400 on the season.

Braves Fly Alone at the Top

The Atlanta Braves (5-0) remain the last unbeaten team in the league after a solid 296–269 win over the St. Louis Cardinals (2-3). Led by consistent weekly production and savvy roster management, the Braves now sit alone atop the standings and look every bit like a serious title contender. With a league-best 3-0 division record and 1,522 points scored through five weeks, they are officially the team to beat.

The Boston Blues

At the other end of the spectrum, the Boston Red Sox (0-5) remain the league’s only winless squad, falling 261–195 to the Detroit Tigers (2-3). Despite some flashes of offensive life earlier in the season, Boston now ranks dead last in the AL. Urgency is building in Beantown — if it’s not already panic time.

Chicago City Series Ends in a Tie

The battle for bragging rights between the Chicago Cubs (2-2-1) and Chicago White Sox (1-3-1) ended in a rare and unsatisfying 249–249 tie. With playoff positioning and city pride on the line, both teams delivered gritty performances, but neither could break free. The Cubs hold the better record, but this one will sting for both dugouts.

Other Notables:

• The Baltimore Orioles (4-1) picked up a routine 201–154 win over the struggling Cleveland Guardians (1-4) and continue to cruise near the top of the AL.
• The New York Yankees (3-2) returned to form with a dominant 271–200 takedown of the Toronto Blue Jays (2-3).
• The Texas Rangers (3-2) handled the LA Angels (3-2) in a crucial 303–249 win, helping them climb into a tie for third in the NL.

Top 3 Storylines Heading Into Week 6

Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Franchise
The undefeated Atlanta Braves (5-0) take on the Cincinnati Reds (4-1) in a heavyweight battle between the league’s current top two NL squads. The Braves are perfect. The Reds are ticked off. This one feels like a playoff preview.

Freefall or First Win?
The Boston Red Sox (0-5) desperately need to stop the bleeding, but they’ll have to do it against the surging Texas Rangers (3-2). It could come down to the wire — or it could be a sixth straight nail in Boston’s coffin.

City of Wind vs. City of Momentum
After an unsatisfying tie last week, the Chicago White Sox (1-3-1) now face a red-hot Detroit Tigers (2-3) squad that just shut down the Red Sox. The Sox offense will need a serious jolt to avoid falling further behind in the AL standings.