In a whirlwind of extra-inning tension and clutch hits, the 2025 MLB playoffs delivered another round of heartbreak and heroics on Thursday. The Cleveland Guardians, riding high after forcing a decisive Game 3 against the Detroit Tigers, ultimately couldn't close the deal. Final score: Tigers 5, Guardians 3, ending Cleveland's season in the Wild Card round. It was a gritty effort from the Guardians' pitching staff, but Detroit's offense proved too resilient in the late innings. Fans in Progressive Field watched as the Tigers rallied for three runs in the eighth, sealing the upset.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs kept their momentum rolling, dispatching the San Diego Padres 7-2 in their winner-take-all clash. Cody Bellinger's two-run homer in the fifth set the tone, and the Cubs' bullpen locked it down from there. This marks Chicago's first postseason advancement since 2018, a testament to their revamped lineup and emerging young arms that ESPN analysts have been buzzing about all season. The Cubs now eye a potential matchup in the NLDS, breathing new life into Wrigleyville's hopes.
Over in the AL, the Boston Red Sox bowed out earlier, falling 4-1 to the New York Yankees in Game 3. New York's rookie sensation Cam Schlittler tossed six scoreless innings, while Boston's bats went quiet after an early rally. However, the Yankees' victory propelled them forward, setting up an intriguing bracket shift. Indeed, with these results, the playoff picture clarifies: Tigers and Yankees advance in the AL, joining the Dodgers who swept the Reds. The NL side sees the Cubs moving on alongside the Phillies.
The updated MLB playoff bracket now funnels these survivors into Division Series starting next week, with seeding battles still influencing byes and matchups. Moreover, the Guardians' exit raises questions about their offseason moves—did the trade deadline deals provide enough firepower? As the postseason heats up, one can't help but wonder how these early eliminations will reshape the path to the World Series.