⚾️🧹Three Playoff Sweeps, TNF Preview + More!

Morning Blitzertarians,

After yesterday's MLB playoff games, we have three teams advancing to the Divisional Round series, and one Wild Card do-or-die game left. Who remains in the playoffs, what time can you catch the action, and everything else you need to know below!

WTF Stat: More Detroit Tigers WTF stats because everything about their season has defied logic and statistics.

Throw all the stats out the window because these Tigers have advanced to the ALDS!

🏈 Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill has reaffirmed his commitment to the team despite a challenging start to the season and speculation about a possible trade back to the Kansas City Chiefs. After a disappointing performance against the Titans, where he caught only four passes for 23 yards, Hill expressed his desire to remain in Miami, citing his enjoyment of the team, the city, and the fans. Coach Mike McDaniel noted that Hill's visible frustrations were expected, given his leadership role.

• 🔥 Take: Another day of WR drama in the NFL. If only Hill could play for a team like the Chiefs and then he wouldn’t have to worry about QB stability or getting the ball enough. Hey, wait a second… too bad he got himself traded away from the Chiefs because of his salary demands. When you take a massive deal as a WR (Hill accounts for 28% of his teams offensive salary cap), that means your teams depth is going to suffer. It means less money to pay a back up QB, less money to pay your O-line (like G Robert Hunt who signed a massive deal with the Panthers this offseason) to protect your QB and give him time to throw it to you. Less money all around. I have no problem with Hill getting paid, he’s worth every dollar, but less finger pointing, more looking in the mirror.

⚽️ Lionel Messi scored twice and Drake Callender made a crucial late penalty save as Inter Miami secured a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew, clinching the Supporters' Shield. Messi's goals came in the 45th and 50th minutes, giving Miami a strong lead.

• 🔥Take: This was just an excuse to post Messi’s free kick goal:

MLB Playoffs

• Tiger 5, Astros 2: The Tigers magical run continues as they have swept the Astros and will move on to play the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS starting Saturday at 1:08 EST. Andy Ibanez delivered a pinch-hit bases clearing three-run double to give the Tigers the lead in the eighth inning. The victory marks Detroit's first postseason series win since 2013 and ends the Astros' streak of seven consecutive appearances in the AL Championship Series. I think I speak for all baseball fans when I say, go Tigers! We’ve all had enough of the Astros winning.

• Royals 2, Orioles 1: Just like that, the Orioles are out of the playoffs - a team that seemed destined for big things this year, eliminated after only putting up one run in two playoff games. Surprising since the Orioles put up 786 runs this season, second only to the Yankees in the AL. The story for the Royals was again Bobby Witt Jr. driving in the the go-ahead run. Being the fastest player in the MLB pays off once again. Seth Lugo was solid through 4 1/3 innings and then the Royals bullpen delivered 4 2/3 innings of 1-hit ball to secure the sweep. The Royals will face the New York Yankees in the ALDS starting Saturday at 6:38 EST.

• Brewers 5, Mets 3: In what was the best game of the day, the Brewers rallied to beat the Mets and tie the series at one game a piece. Check out the video above, it’s awesome. Rookie Jackson Chourio tied the game with his second homer of the night in the eighth inning, and Garrett Mitchell followed with a two-run shot that secured the victory. Milwaukee had been trailing 3-2 before the dramatic eighth-inning comeback. The Brewers and Mets faceoff in a decisive Game 3 today at 7:08 EST (the only MLB game today).

• Padres 5, Braves 4: The rocky season for the Braves comes to an end after last night’s Padres sweep. Really tough to see Chris Sale go down with an injury and be unavailable after the season he had. Then last night their other stud pitcher, Max Fried, got roughed up (getting hit with a comebacker probably played a role in his performance). For the Padres, Kyle Higashioka's solo home run ignited a five-run rally in the second inning, which included a two-run double from Manny Machado and a two-run triple by rookie Jackson Merrill. The crowd was electric in San Diego, and things will only turn up when they face their division rival, the Dodgers, in the NLDS starting Saturday at 8:38 EST.

Thursday Night Football Preview

Game: Buccaneers @ Falcons (8:15 EST)

Why we’re watching: These are two of my favorite teams to watch (when they’re playing well). Both teams have tons of talent (RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, WR Mike Evans, WR Chris Godwin, EDGE Matthew Judon, LB Lavonte David, CB A.J. Terrell, CB Jamel Dean to name a few). They’re led by two wild card QBs who can look like two of the best in the NFL or two of the worst depending on the day. But either way they love to sling it. So here is hoping all of the stars align and we get an action packed Thursday Night Football game.

Key Matchup: CB A.J. Terrell vs. WR Mike Evans - neither of these teams has established a great rushing attack (both bottom of the league in rushing yards so far). Their offenses will either succeed or fail based on their ability to pass the ball down field. I have a feeling we’re going to see the broadcast highlighting the Evans vs Terrell matchup often. These two are very familiar with each other as they have been battling against each other twice a year for the last 4 years. Evans played great in last years week 7 matchup, but had one of his worst games in the week 12 matchup (6 targets, 1 reception for 8 yards). How these two match up will really dictate how the Bucs offense operates.

TNF Prop Bets: Jean (1-3) - Rachaad White +21.5 receiving yards — Keith (1-3) - Mike Evans +4.5 receptions.

D-Man’s Pick (2-2 TNF): Tampa +1.5 → The 3-1 Bucs coming off a big win, have a short journey to Atlanta, I’ll take the points.

On this day in 2004, Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki hits 2 singles in the final game of the 2004 season; he finished the season with an MLB record 262 hits. Five more hits than George Sisler’s 257 in 1920. It’s interesting to note that 17 of the top 20 single-season hit leaders are lefties. Ichiro, a lefty, accounts for 1st, 10th, and 20th spots on the list.

Yesterday’s Trivia Time Answer

The Padres have played in the World Series twice, but never won. Who is the only other current playoff team that does not have a World Series championship?

D) Milwaukee Brewers - the Colorado Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays are the only teams never to win a world series. With the Mariners being the only team to never make a world series. The Texas Rangers removed themselves from this list after winning their first World Series last year.

Check back tomorrow for the answer to today's trivia question and more info!