The Major League Playoffs began on October 1, with 12 teams looking to capture the World Series title at the end of the month. 

The Dodgers, led by the presumptive MVP Shohei Ohtani had a bye in the first round, and faced the San Diego Padres on October 5th. After winning that series, they are now facing off against the New York Mets for the NLCS. The Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in the divisional series, after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in the wildcard round. The Dodgers/Mets series is tied 1-1 as of October 15. 

In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians and Yankees are battling for the American League pennant. The Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers, who defeated the Houston Astros in the first round. The Yankees advanced to the ALCS after defeating the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees took game one on October 14 and currently lead the series 1-0. 

The winners of the ALCS and NLCS will face off in the World Series beginning on October 25.

Ohtani and Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees outfielder, will both win MVP and are looking to lead their team to the title. Ohtani has recently become the first 50/50 player in MLB history as he finished the season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. Judge hit .322  with 58 home runs for the Yankees this year. 

Senior Axel Tijerina, a Red Sox fan, is hoping the Yankees do not win this year’s World Series title.

“I want the Mets to go far,” Axel said. “I’d also like to see Ohtani advance because he’s Ohtani and he’s having a great season.”

Journalism teacher Mr. Zamora is an Astros fan and is disappointed they did not advance past the wildcard series after making the ALCS seven years in a row. He is rooting for the Mets and Guardians to advance. 

“As an Astros fan, I don’t like the Dodgers or Yankees, so I hope they Mets and Guardians make the World Series,” Zamora said. “That’s just me being petty.”