Alright, buckle up, because three Division Series are on the brink of being sweeps right now. But let’s get real for a second: only ten teams in MLB history have EVER clawed their way back from an 0-2 hole in a best-of-five series. We’re talking about a total long shot for any of these squads. The 2017 Yankees were the last to do it, and it’s happened just three times since 2003. So yeah, the most likely scenario is everyone still down 0-2 loses out. But hey, we’re here to talk about a chance, right? Let’s break down which of these teams, the Padres or Guardians, even have a glimmer of hope.
San Diego’s “Vibes Central” Still Has a Pulse
The San Diego Padres are in a deep, deep hole. They burned through Michael King in Game 2, used all their big bullpen arms in the first two games, and still couldn’t snatch a single win. It feels like this series is just over. The Brewers, who crushed it with a 103-win regular season and pulled off comebacks left and right, just feel inevitable. They even had a runner steal second in the ninth. That’s just soul-crushing.
But hold on a second! The Padres are heading back home to Petco Park, which was absolutely “Vibes Central” during their Wild Card series against the Cubs. Nick Pivetta looked pretty good, and with that day off between Games 2 and 3, their bullpen will be fully charged and ready for Game 3. Plus, the Brewers have a serious drop-off in starting pitching after their Game 1 starter Jacob Misiorowski and Game 2 starter Logan Henderson. Can the Padres just win one game at home? You never know! It’s still very likely the Brewers take the series, but it’s definitely in that “you’re telling me there’s a chance?” territory.
Cleveland’s Underdog Fight Against an 84-Win Team
I’ve got a little more faith in the Padres to at least make some noise, but the Cleveland Guardians have a different kind of task ahead. They’re facing the White Sox, an 84-win regular-season team, not the “mighty Brewers.” The White Sox are good, sure, but definitely not great. They’ve been surviving mostly on bullpen games, and honestly, they’ve done a great job, going 4-0 in the playoffs so far. But simple logic tells us: an 84-win team that’s gone 4-0 in road playoff games? That regression HAS to be coming at some point, right? Of course, that “some point” might not be this round.
The Guardians aren’t exactly world-beaters either, with an 85-win regular season themselves. Here’s the kicker: Parker Messick is set for Game 4. If the Guardians can somehow snag Game 3, there’s a good chance they could push this thing to Game 5. The problem? Messick started Game 1, and the Guardians lost that one. And let’s not forget, the White Sox took four of six games when these teams met in Chicago earlier this season.
What’s Next?
Both the Padres and Guardians are looking to pull off what feels like the impossible in Game 3. For San Diego, it’s about getting that home crowd fired up and hitting the Brewers’ weaker starters. For Cleveland, it’s about hoping the White Sox’s bullpen magic finally runs out and taking advantage of an opponent that, by the numbers, should regress. Can either of them become the eleventh team in MLB history to defy the 0-2 deficit? We’re about to find out!
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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