If you wanted drama in the MLB playoffs, you got it.
Wednesday will feature two winner-take-all battles with both American League Division Series going to Game 5. The four teams all took different paths to get to this point, but now they know any pitch could be the difference between going to the American League Championship Series and going home.
Look for all hands to be on deck, as every player and coach will do whatever it takes to extend the season just a little longer.
Both games will likely feature plenty of excitement from start to finish, so here is a guide to ensure you don't miss a second of the action.
Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 4:07 p.m. ET
Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
TV: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Odds (via Odds Shark): Toronto 20-21, Texas 4-5
The Texas Rangers have to feel good about getting ace Cole Hamels back on the mound for Game 5, but he won't have an easy time facing a rejuvenated Toronto Blue Jays offense.
Although the top offense in the majors during the regular season went quiet in the first couple of games of this series, Toronto's bats have awoken. A Troy Tulowitzki three-run home run helped the Blue Jays pull away in Game 3, while seven runs scored in the first three innings effectively sealed the fate of Game 4.
Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer joked about what was on display:
Even though Hamels had a solid effort in Game 2 with only two earned runs allowed (four runs total) in seven innings, the Blue Jays offense playing to its ability is much scarier. The right-handed-heavy lineup especially crushed lefties with an .818 OPS to lead all of baseball.
The veteran pitcher could struggle to contain Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and others one after another.
This could take the pressure off Marcus Stroman, who pitched well in his postseason debut once he got settled in. He finished with three earned runs allowed (four total) in seven innings, although he did have a stretch of 14 straight retired hitters during the middle innings.
If he can put up anywhere near a similar performance, Toronto should be in good shape to win the deciding game at home.
Prediction: Blue Jays 7, Rangers 3
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 8:07 p.m. ET
Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go
Odds (via Odds Shark): Kansas City 3-2, Houston 5-9
The Houston Astros were ready to celebrate their ALDS title after going up 2-1 in the series and 6-2 in the seventh inning of Game 4. Carlos Correa was having a breakout game, while Colby Rasmus remained impossible to slow down, and the last couple of innings were just a formality.
Well, that was until the Kansas City Royals did what the Kansas City Royals do. Last year's pennant winners found some magic once again and scored five runs in the eighth inning to take the lead. Eric Hosmer added to the lead with a two-run home run in the ninth, and Wade Davis did the rest with a two-inning save.
Hosmer discussed the mindset for the Royals after the game:
Manager Ned Yost also noted the resolve of the squad after being so close to elimination:
The Royals have showcased an energy and confidence that cannot be beaten even with their backs against the wall. They have also swung the momentum heavily in their favor, and they believe they can get that final win at home.
As long as Johnny Cueto pitches more like he did in the second half of Game 2 rather than the first (four runs allowed in first three innings, no runs in last three innings).
Meanwhile, it will be extremely difficult for the Astros to bounce back from the latest loss. The young squad was close to moving on to the next round but saw its bullpen implode and cost the team the game. The team will now have to travel to Kansas City and regain its positive energy, which is not an easy task.
Collin McHugh, who had a 4.05 road ERA this season, will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders as Houston's starter. Even if he posts good numbers, however, the Royals know they can come from behind late. The mindset is all that matters in this decisive game.
Prediction: Royals 6, Astros 4
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