MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 8, 2026, 4:57 AM ET
Dodgers Advance
Andy Pages delivered in the clutch, with the No. 9 hitter coming through to send Los Angeles to a third straight NLCS. The Dodgers later beat Atlanta 4-1 to clinch the best-of-five series in Game. Earlier in the division round, Yoshinobu Yamamoto outdueled Chris Sale to give the Dodgers a 2-1 series lead. Miguel Rojas was held out of the lineup for Game 4 with a back issue, while Ronald Acuna moved into right field for Atlanta.
Brewers and Padres
Garrett Mitchell robbed Manny Machado of a potential game-tying home run, a late play that helped Milwaukee seal its win and set up a rematch with Los Angeles. San Diego refused to go quietly, as Michael King pitched in relief to keep the Padres alive with a 4-3 win. Robert Gasser was tapped to start for Milwaukee in Game. Mason Miller returned from the paternity list and was available to pitch in Game. San Diego fans also drew attention with a Blink-182 chant that moved front man Tom DeLonge.
Yankees and Rays
The Yankees' season ended after Victor Mesa Jr. hit the home run that sealed a sweep, sending Tampa Bay to the ALCS. Mesa had also blasted a two-run shot as the Rays retook the lead during the live coverage. A fan interference call in the sixth inning cost New York a chance at a tying two-run homer. Aaron Judge watched the elimination from the home dugout, saying he was just hating every moment.
Guardians and White Sox
Jose Ramirez carried Cleveland to a do-or-die Game 3 win with a do-it-all performance. Both the Guardians and White Sox will open with relievers in Game, as Chicago looks to complete a sweep of the ALDS.
Front Office and Labor
President Donald Trump announced he would award Roger Clemens the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Alex Cora again declined the chance to manage the Phillies and plans to take the 2027 season off. Reporters asked players and executives what the playoffs could mean for the labor battle ahead of the 2026 collective bargaining agreement.
Obituaries
Fred Claire, the former Dodgers general manager who oversaw the 1988 World Series team, died at. Sam McDowell, who led the American League in strikeouts four times, died at 84 after a later career as a counselor.
Playoff Analysis
Early postseason takeaways from a week of baseball offered plenty for analysts to debate as the field narrowed.