On Saturday, the American and National League Division Series began, with eight teams vying for four places in the next round. Sunday was dominated by the ALDS, commencing with a matchup between the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. After losing Game 1 to the Rangers, 3-2, the Orioles hoped to even the series.
Fans of both teams as well as those interested in following the MLB playoffs witnessed the game on FS1. On the broadcast were former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz and Joe Davis.
During the broadcast, fans in the back of their minds rolled their eyes when Smoltz randomly railed against analytics. Smoltz stated, “Analytics indicate that the scoreboard is irrelevant.”
Analytics creates divisions within the baseball community. Either you enjoy it or you dislike it. Every team utilizes analytics, but the numbers they collect and how they employ them vary. If a team underperforms, one can therefore point the proverbial finger at analytics.
The Rangers defeated the Orioles 11-8 in Game 2 of the ALDS, bringing the series back to Texas. The majority of the Rangers’ runs were achieved in the second and third innings. Texas seized a 5-2 lead after a two-RBI double by Leody Taveras, an RBI singles by Mitch Garver, Adolis Garcia, and Jonah Heim. Garver’s grand slam in the third inning increased the team’s lead to 9-2.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the Orioles trailing 11-5, Aaron Hicks hit a three-run home run to reduce their deficit to 11-8. Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins would line out and strike out, respectively, to end the contest.
The Rangers will attempt to advance to the ALCS when the series shifts to Arlington. Yes, baseball aficionados, Smoltz will probably be on the phone.
