MLB Playoffs Roundup and Highlights: Padres Stage a Comeback, Astros Ride Verlander

These have just been good playoffs so far. Mostly competitive games with good storylines and big moments. I think the four teams left will generally continue that trend throughout the LCS and then into the World Series, whatever the final match-up. I’m not sure if I care THAT much which teams win each LCS, though. I’m pretty much strictly in observation and enjoyment mode …

San Diego Padres 8, Philadelphia Phillies 5 – NLCS Tied 1-1

The Phillies got out to a big early lead in this one, and with the Phillies already up a game in the series – and with the series heading back to Philadelphia – it seemed like the Padres were in serious trouble.

But the Padres started chipping away at the Phillies’ lead in the bottom of the second, and then the floodgates opened with a five-run fifth inning, kicked off by Austin Nola driving in a run off of his brother Aaron:

The runs poured on from there, and the Padres ultimately took the game and evened the series 1-1.

Neither Aaron Nola nor Blake Snell had a good day, which is going to happen sometimes, but I suppose it’s a reminder that even the very good and hot starting pitchers won’t dominate every time out in the postseason.

Josh Hader dominated in the 9th again, though, striking out the side in order, and it definitely seems like whatever was plaguing him after the trade to the Padres is long behind him. He is throwing triple-digits for the first time in his career, and the results are absurd:

Game Three is Friday at 6:37pm CT, with Joe Musgrove facing Ranger Suarez.

Full game highlights:

Houston Astros 4, New York Yankees 2 – HOU Leads ALCS 1-0

I wouldn’t say it’s because of their compressed and then late-night-plus-travel-laden ALDS schedule, but the Yankees came into this one without much for Justin Verlander. The well-rested possible Cy Young winner struck out a whopping 11 Yankees over his 6.0 innings of work, allowing just a solo home run to Harrison Bader.

The whole game wound up a solo homer fest, with five of the six runs scored via solo homers. For the Astros, it was Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick, and Jeremy Peña, and for the Yankees it was Bader and Anthony Rizzo:

So the Astros win the Home Run Derby 3-2 and the game 4-2. They say you need homers to win in October and it was certainly true in this one.

Game Two is tonight at 6:37pm CT, with Luis Severino facing Framber Valdez.

Full game highlights:

written by

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation. You can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation, on Bluesky at @Brett-Taylor, and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Cubs “Among the Clubs with Interest” in Free Agent Reliever A.J. Minter

Back at the very outset of the offseason, Anthony Franco (MLBTR) picked the Chicago Cubs as the eventual landing spot for free-agent, left-handed reliever A.J. Minter. And today, that connection is renewed with a fresh Cubs rumor from Jon Morosi:...

LIVE: Craig Counsell Speaks at the Winter Meetings (UPDATES)

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is meeting with the media today at the Winter Meetings, and it's being streamed live on Marquee. I'll be watching and updating this post below with the notable items. We haven't heard too much from...

You’re Not Going to Love This New Report About Zach LaVine’s Trade Market

While trade season has yet to blossom, spuds are surely growing in Chicago.  The Bulls began a roster overhaul in the offseason, which included parting ways with win-now pieces like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. All early indications have been...

The Cubs Are Reportedly “Making Progress” on a Deal with Catcher Carson Kelly (UPDATE)

The Chicago Cubs may be shortly landing their catcher to pair with Miguel Amaya next season. Jon Heyman reports that they are working toward a deal with Carson Kelly, the timing of which would make sense following the recent Danny...

The Cubs Have Reportedly Spoken to Another Free-Agent Closer (Which is a Good Sign)

Jesse Rogers' latest post on X continues an emerging (and encouraging) trend in the world of offseason Cubs rumors: Jed Hoyer is committed to improving his team's run prevention this winter, specifically with more help for the bullpen. Rogers even...

Phillies Signing Reliever Jordan Romano

The Toronto Blue Jays weren't willing to risk $7.75-ish million on tendering closer Jordan Romano a contract after he underwent elbow surgery earlier this year, but the Philadelphia Phillies are willing to do exactly that. Romano, 31, is signing with...

The Cubs Are Stuck in the Past of Player Spending and It’s an Absolute Shame

[BN_drinks] Can you imagine if the Chicago Cubs traded a haul of players and top prospects for one year of a superstar player — a player who ultimately took the Cubs to the World Series — and then that player signed...

Jed Hoyer Confirms Cubs Still Looking at Starting Pitchers

The prevailing wisdom has been that, even after the Chicago Cubs added Matthew Boyd on a two-year deal, they would still be looking a starting pitchers. Heck, the Garrett Crochet rumors are a strong indication on that front. (Ditto the...

Chicago Cubs Announce Full 2025 Coaching Staff

Today, the Chicago Cubs made their full 2025 coaching staff announcement, officially unveiling Craig Counsell's crew. Because of the timing of his hiring last fall, it's the first group Counsell had a hand in assembling from the close of the...

Chicago Cubs Context on the Size of the Juan Soto Contract

While I am mostly just having fun here with the context, if you want to take away some small point in addition to the fun, let it be this: the Chicago Cubs have not really signed many huge contracts. But...

Latest News

Cubs “Among the Clubs with Interest” in Free Agent Reliever A.J. Minter

Back at the very outset of the offseason, Anthony Franco (MLBTR) picked the Chicago Cubs as the eventual landing spot for free-agent, left-handed reliever A.J. Minter. And today, that connection is renewed with a fresh Cubs rumor from Jon Morosi:...

Blue Jackets vs. Flyers: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Tuesday's NHL lineup includes an expected tight outing between the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-12-3, -112 on the moneyline to win) and the Philadelphia Flyers (12-12-4, -108 moneyline odds) at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+.ESPN+ is the place to tune in...

Devils vs. Maple Leafs: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Tuesday's NHL action includes the New Jersey Devils (18-10-2) hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs (16-9-2) at Prudential Center. The Maple Leafs are underdogs (+110 on the moneyline) against the Devils (-130) ahead of the contest, which begins at 7:00 PM...

Jets vs. Bruins: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

The Winnipeg Jets (20-9) have -148 moneyline odds to win when they host the Boston Bruins (15-11-3), who have +124 odds, on Tuesday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN+.The Jets game against the Bruins can be seen on...

Canucks vs. Blues: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

The Vancouver Canucks (14-8-4) have -185 moneyline odds to win when they host a matchup with the St. Louis Blues (13-13-2), who have +154 moneyline odds, on Tuesday at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+.Turn on ESPN+ to take in the...

Kings vs. Islanders: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Tuesday's NHL matchup between the Los Angeles Kings (16-8-3) and the New York Islanders (11-11-7) at UBS Arena sees the Kings favored on the road (-122 moneyline odds to win) against the Islanders (+102). The game begins at 7:30 PM...

Hurricanes vs. Sharks: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

The Carolina Hurricanes (17-9-1) are heavily favored at home (-455 moneyline odds to win) against the San Jose Sharks (10-15-5, +350 moneyline odds). Tuesday's contest begins at 7:00 PM ET from PNC Arena on ESPN+.Watch the action on ESPN+ as...

Avalanche vs. Penguins: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Tuesday's NHL action includes the Colorado Avalanche (16-13) visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins (12-13-4) at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins are big underdogs (+142 on the moneyline) against the Avalanche (-170) ahead of the outing, which begins at 7:00 PM ET...

Panthers vs. Kraken: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Tuesday's NHL schedule features a matchup between the heavily favored Florida Panthers (17-9-2) and the Seattle Kraken (14-14-1) at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Panthers are -175 on the moneyline to win on the road against the Kraken...

Wild vs. Utah Hockey Club: How to Watch, Odds, Picks & Predictions

The Minnesota Wild (18-5-4) are the favorite when they visit the Utah Hockey Club (12-11-4) on Tuesday, December 10. The Wild are -125 on the moneyline to win against the Utah Hockey Club (+105) in the game, which starts at...

more cubs news