The MLB Playoff Standings took a hit on Tuesday as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2, advancing to the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals. With the victory, the playoff standings become more defined as the N.L. has it's four teams for the division series. The A.L. Wild Card Game will be played today, here are the standings entering Wednesday's action.
N.L. Playoff Standings:
No games have been played aside from the Wild Card Game, but we will set the precedent. Come to Sports World Report every morning to find out where each series stand as there will be baseball almost every day in October. Here are the NLDS matchups as the four best teams in the league remain alive.
Atlanta Braves 0-0 Los Angeles Dodgers
The Braves offense will face a tough Dodgers' pitching staff. L.A. can see their offseason moves pay off as they are exactly where many expected them to be. Of course, playing at home would have been preferable, but the Dodgers have three tough starters that can dominate a streaky Atlanta offense.
The Braves finished the season 96-66, while the Dodgers went 92-70 in 2013.
Pirates 0-0 Cardinals
The winner of this series faces either the Dodgers or Braves. The Pirates were dominant in their victory as they breezed by the Reds, taking an early lead and watching Francisco Liriano settle. Russell Martin did it behind the plate and at the plate, calling a beautiful game for Liriano and smacking two solo home runs in the game.
The Cardinals continue to patiently waited for their opponent and now they know they will play the Pirates at home. St. Louis has home field advantage through the National League series. Look for Adam Wainwright and Shelby Miller to guide the team. The Cardinals have a solid offense, but if their pitching falters, it might be a disappointing season for the Cardinals.
A.L. Playoff Standings:
The A.L. Wild Card Game is today. The Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays headlines the matchup of the 2013 Wild Card Game. After this matchup is concluded, we will find out who the Boston Red Sox will play.
Detroit Tigers 0-0 Oakland Athletics
The Tigers and A's are back at it again. Will the Tigers have the right ammunition to defeat the Athletics? If the Athletics fall behind 0-2 and tie the series at 2-2, will they make good use of their momentum? The Tigers want to go back to the World Series. They have the offense to do so and their pitching staff has been led by two surprising hurlers not named Justin Verlander; Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez.
MLB PLAYOFF STANDINGS-
Braves- 0
Dodgers- 0
Cardinals- 0
Pirates- 0
Red Sox- 0
Rays or Indians
Athletics- 0
Tigers- 0