As the anticipation builds for the NL Wild Card Series Game 1 between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs, live updates are streaming in from the press accommodations at Wrigley Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2:08 PM local time, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup.
In a surprising turn of events, a foul ball has caused a brief delay, breaking a camera. Meanwhile, the Tigers are leading the Guardians 1-0 in the third inning. Detroit had a promising opportunity with runners on first and second and no outs. However, a double play by Gleyber Torres and a strikeout by Kerry Carpenter extinguished the rally. Gavin Williams has already thrown 47 pitches, which is commendable given the circumstances, but the Cleveland bullpen might see action soon.
Williams has expressed some frustration with the strike zone, facing several close calls throughout the game, although some of these calls align with the pitch-tracking data. Notably, Chase DeLauter has not played in a competitive game since July, adding another layer of intrigue to Cleveland's strategy.
In an interesting statistic, it was revealed that Cleveland has recorded the lowest team on-base percentage (OBP) of any postseason team in history, finishing the season at .296, just shy of the 1968 Cardinals' .298. While the Guardians' offense has shown slight improvement in recent weeks, their performance remains middle-of-the-pack in September. With their current struggles, there seems to be no downside to integrating DeLauter into the lineup, as he may very well connect with a few pitches.
Tarik Skubal boasts a diverse pitching arsenal with five distinct pitches: two types of fastballs (including a four-seamer that occasionally cuts), his renowned changeup, and two breaking balls that exhibit near-gyro action. On the other hand, Gavin Williams also features a five-pitch repertoire, including two fastballs, a cutter, a sweeper, and a curveball, with both breaking balls demonstrating significant depth. In September, Williams notably increased his sinker usage while nearly phasing out his cutter.
As the series unfolds, the Tigers find themselves as the favorites for Game 1 against the Guardians, especially after clinching the AL Central title. Detroit is currently listed as a -176 favorite on DraftKings shortly before the first pitch, with an over/under run line set at six. The matchup between Williams and Skubal is anticipated to be a key factor in determining the outcome of this game.
As the Wild Card Series progresses, unpredictability reigns supreme. Our team of writers has made their predictions on the outcomes of the series, particularly focusing on the showdown between the Yankees and Red Sox, as well as potential upsets in Los Angeles. In a best-of-three series, every play carries significant weight, making the X-factors crucial to watch in each matchup. Check out our detailed analysis on the MLB Wild Card Series X-factors to see what might tip the scales as these teams vie for postseason glory.
