The 2026 MLB playoffs are already delivering drama, with the Brewers kicking off their NLDS series against the Padres with a controversial 3-2 Game 1 win on Saturday, featuring a ninth-inning deep fly ball from Ty France that hit the roof and stayed in play for an out. Eight teams are still standing in the best-of-five League Division Series round, and we’ve already got some wild action setting the tone.
NLDS Kicks Off with a Bang (and a Buzz Saw)
That Brewers-Padres opener on Saturday night was something else. Milwaukee snagged a tight 3-2 victory, but it came with a huge dose of controversy. In the ninth inning, Ty France absolutely *crushed* a deep fly ball that looked like it was gone, but it hit the roof of American Family Field, stayed in play, and was caught for an out. Can you believe that? The Padres must be absolutely seething after that call cost them a shot, and now they are fighting to avoid a 2-0 hole. Game 2 is today, Sunday, and the Padres have got to bounce back big.
Over in the other NLDS, the reigning champion Dodgers made sure to flex early, taking Game 1 against the Braves with a 5-3 win. L.A. is looking to take a commanding 2-0 lead at home tonight in the nightcap. The Braves, naturally, are desperate to even that series up and avoid going back to Atlanta down two games. It’s a critical Sunday for both NL matchups, with everything on the line to shift momentum.
ALDS Heating Up and Early Exits
While the National League teams are duking it out, the American League Division Series are also underway. The White Sox shut out the Guardians 3-0 in their Game 1, and the Rays edged out the Yankees 1-0 in a pitcher’s duel. Both Chicago and Tampa Bay are heading into Monday with a crucial 1-0 series lead. The Guardians and Yankees will both be fighting tooth and nail to even things up when the ALDS matchups resume.
Remember those Wild Card Series last week? Well, the Astros, Red Sox, Cubs, and Phillies all saw their playoff dreams end early, getting knocked out in the best-of-three round. So, the field is down to eight, and every game from here on out is do-or-die.
Today, Sunday, October 4th, is massive. The Padres try to bounce back against the Brewers at 4 PM ET on FS1/fubo, with Milwaukee up 1-0. Then the reigning champion Dodgers look to go up 2-0 on the Braves at 8 PM ET, also on FS1/fubo. These early games are setting the stage, and we know these best-of-five series can turn on a dime. Get ready for more wild baseball, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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