MLB

The New York Mets fell behind by three runs early but then scored 10 straight to rout the Los Angeles Dodgers, 13-7, in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Monday night.

The Mets now have a 2-1 lead and will be looking to clinch in Game 4 on Tuesday night.

In just a few hours, (5:07 p.m. CT to be exact), a pivotal Game 3 of the of the National League Division Series will take place at the historic Wrigley Park, where the hometown Chicago Cubs are looking to break the series tie against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Separated for most of the division series, the American League and National League coalesce for a full batch of MLB playoff action on Monday.

The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, both sporting 2-1 leads, can punch tickets past the American League Division Series by winning Game 4. Each squad has a chance to advance at home against the favored opposition.

Jake Arrieta was far from perfect Monday night, but the Chicago Cubs managed to slug their way to victory in a pivotal Game 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Powered by their young stars, the Cubs blasted six home runs against Michael Wacha and Co. to take a 2-1 lead in the National League Division Series.

Kyle Schwarber, Starlin Castro, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Jorge Soler and Dexter Fowler each hit a homer, and Wacha couldn't escape the fifth inning. The Cubs became the first team in postseason history to have six different players hit a home run in one game.

While two teams reach the World Series, only one ultimately goes the distance, winning the four games necessary to sit atop the baseball world...at least until next year's Opening Day rolls around.

Not reaching the playoffs, much less the Fall Classic, fills players and fans alike with a deflating feeling, one that makes everyone involved believe that their combined efforts over the past six months were nothing more than a gigantic waste of everyone's time.

First Pitch: 4 p.m. ET, Globe Life Park in Arlington

TV: FS1

Pitching Matchup: R.A. Dickey (11-11, 3.91 ERA) vs. Derek Holland (4-3, 4.91 ERA)

If you have a case of the Mondays, you're in luck. Monday features a full slot of four MLB postseason games to watch to start your week the right way.

As each division series has gained ground, it's been easier to figure out which players are the best picks for daily fantasy baseball leagues. Star players have shined, but a few surprise players have made a huge impact for their respective teams.

Keep it right here for all the live updates of the much-anticipated Royals vs. Astros Game 4 matchup.

Will the Astros knock off the reigning American League champs and celebrate on their home field? We'll provide in-game updates and analysis throughout the ALDS contest!

SCORE UPDATE: Royals 0 - 0 Astros, Top 1st

Follow Dan Ferrara on Twitter @BigRed_BR for more postseason analysis.

The Toronto Blue Jays will look to push the American League Divisional Series back home for a decisive Game 5 with a second consecutive win Monday afternoon against the Texas Rangers in Game 4.

As R.A. Dickey and Derek Holland prepare to take the ball in such a pivotal game, both the Blue Jays and Rangers will feel good about their chances of scoring runs. There’s also the potential of a David Price bullpen sighting that could alter the landscape of the series.

After the St. Louis Cardinals dominated Game 1 behind John Lackey's terrific start, the Chicago Cubs rebounded to even the series at 1-1 in Game 2 when they capitalized on some big mistakes from Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia.

Now the series heads to Wrigley Field for the pivotal Game 3, and the Cubs will have ace Jake Arrieta on the mound, while the Cardinals will counter with All-Star Michael Wacha.

Given Arrieta's recent run of otherworldly success, it would seem to be advantage Cubs in this one, but as we've seen time and again, anything can happen in October.