The Alliance Professional Baseball League closed out its regular season in dramatic fashion, with playoff tickets punched and heartbreak handed out in the final week.
Reds Outlast Braves in Game of the Week
The much-anticipated clash between the Reds and Braves delivered on every ounce of hype. The two clubs traded blows all week, but in the end, Sunday pitching pushed the Reds across the home plate, 294–254. With the win, Cincinnati secured the final NL playoff berth while Atlanta’s season came to an abrupt end.
Orioles Edge Blue Jays
The Orioles were already postseason-bound, but they still fought through a thriller with the Blue Jays. In the end, Baltimore escaped with a narrow 249–240 win, fine-tuning their form as they head into the bracket.
Rangers Sneak Past Cubs
The Rangers may own the NL’s top seed, but they got all they could handle from the Cubs. Texas pulled out a 237–215 win, but the tight margin is a reminder that nothing comes easy in September. Fortunately, they’ll have the luxury of resting during Round 1.
White Sox Escape the Cellar
The battle of the basement turned into a bright spot for the White Sox, who notched just their third win of the year with a 245–195 victory over the Guardians. The win allows Chicago to climb out of the league’s basement and gives them a little momentum to carry into the offseason.
Angels Crush Tigers’ No. 1 Seed Hopes
The Tigers had everything to play for: win, and they could swipe the AL’s top seed. But the Angels weren’t about to roll over. In one of the closest games of the week, Los Angeles edged Detroit 256–247, keeping the Tigers stuck in the opening round while solidifying their own confidence.
Yankees Claim the Bye
Needing a win to secure the AL’s No. 1 spot, the Yankees left nothing to chance. They throttled the Red Sox 261–186, ensuring they’ll skip the first round and enter the postseason as rested as any team in the field.
Cardinals Knock Out the Champs
The defending champion Giants saw their title defense end with a thud. The Cardinals took control early and never looked back in a 267–196 win. St. Louis may not be postseason-bound, but spoiling the champs’ finale is a satisfying parting gift.
Playoff Picture Locked
The dust has settled, and the field is set:
- NL Bye: Rangers
- AL Bye: Yankees
First Round Matchups:
- NL: Angels vs. Reds
- AL: Tigers vs. Orioles
Six teams remain. The chase for the championship starts now.