The 2013 MLB Playoff Bracket has shrunk. There are only four teams remaining in contention as two teams were eliminated in the last two days. Find out who is still competing in the 2013 NL & AL Championship Series. Take a look at this bracket as four of baseball historical franchises face off.
National League Championship Series
The most successful team in the National League takes the field today to face one of the most popular franchises in sports. The St. Louis Cardinals host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the 2013 NLCS. Prepare for fireworks and great pitching as the Cardinals and Dodgers possess some unbelievable young arms and power hitters.
On the Dodgers, there's obviously Yasiel Puig, who will more than likely win the N.L. Rookie of the Year this season. Hanley Ramirez is finally putting the bad attitude behind him and leading the Dodgers, while Clayton Kershaw is proving why so many are high on him winning the Cy Young award this season.
For the Cardinals, it's all about their young pitching. They had Michael Wacha keep them alive, helping them win the first of two must-win games. Joe Kelly pitched a great Game 3, but found himself on the worst end of a 5-3 score. He will get the ball in Game 1 and, reportedly, had goosebumps run through his body upon hearing the news.
American League Championship Series
The Detroit Tigers are facing the Boston Red Sox. Long gone are the days of Ty Cobb and Ted Williams. In Detroit, Miguel Cabrera is king, while David Ortiz is the Daddy of them all in Boston. Both teams have experienced players on both sides of the ball. You will not find too much youth on either team and this is, apparently, their formula for success.
The Tigers survived a best of five series against the Oakland A's, like the Cardinals, needing to win the last two games to advance to the ALCS. Their offense woke up in Game 4, scoring eight runs and then Justin Verlander handled Game 5 with ease, shutting out the A's in his eight innings on the mound.
The Red Sox put away the Tampa Bay Ray in relatively easy fashion, though they battled in Game 4. The Rays do not know when to give up, so the Red Sox had to struggle for all of their runs in the final game of that series, winning 3-1 and locking up their spot in the ALDS. Shane Victorino and Jacoby Ellsbury are a deadly combination at the top of the lineup.
Game 1 is tomorrow for the Red Sox and Tigers- Tigers lead series 4-3
Game 1 is tonight, Friday, for the Dodgers and Cardinals- Dodgers Lead Series 4-3
