MLB championship collection Sunday – Highlights, scores, takeaways

The 2022 MLB playoffs are down to only 4 groups. After in the present day, it might be down to 2.

Will the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros punch their tickets to the World Collection? Or will the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees save their seasons?

A possible double-elimination Sunday begins with Recreation 5 of the Nationwide League Championship Collection between the Phillies and Padres, with Philly up 3-1 and taking part in in entrance of a house crowd. Later, the Yankees look to avert a sweep as they battle Houston in Recreation 4 of the American League Championship Collection within the Bronx.

Observe the motion under all day lengthy with begin occasions, pitching matchups and beginning lineups as they’re introduced, adopted by in-game updates and takeaways after every recreation is concluded.

Extra: Who has the NLCS edge? Preview, predictions for Padres-Phillies | Who will rule the ALCS? Preview, predictions for Yankees-Astros | Bracket, outcomes and extra

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San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies (2:37 p.m. ET, FS1)

Phillies lead collection 3-1

Padres starter: Yu Darvish

Phillies starter: Zack Wheeler

Beginning lineups:

PADRES

TBD

PHILLIES

TBD

What to look at for: Padres supervisor Bob Melvin might want to experience Recreation 5 starter Yu Darvish for so long as he can in an ace showdown with Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler after all the things San Diego tried on the mound backfired in Recreation 4. The truth is, each bullpens are taxed after the groups used a mixed 13 pitchers on Saturday.

In the meantime, the Phillies are swinging their bats so nicely proper now, they need to have the ability to play unfastened and straightforward understanding they’ve a two-game lead within the collection and Aaron Nola ready within the wings for Recreation 6 — if wanted.

Virtually all of Philly’s bats have contributed thus far this collection, and there is little motive to assume that can finish Sunday. That is why it’s all on Darvish to avoid wasting the Padres’ season. — Jesse Rogers

Our picks

Phillies 3, Padres 2: Darvish will pitch his coronary heart out however Philadelphia has that future look — at the least to win the NL pennant. It’ll survive a decent, low-scoring affair — the precise reverse of Recreation 4 — and win the collection with a decent win on Sunday. — Rogers

Phillies 5, Padres 2: The Phillies are 4-0 at residence within the postseason and so they appear to be they’re able to pop some champagne. Wheeler has been excellent over his three playoff begins and prime relievers Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez did not need to pitch in Recreation 4 after a bit of additional workload in Recreation 3 (a mixed 61 pitches), so all the things is lining up for a boisterous celebration at Residents Financial institution Park. — David Schoenfield

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Houston Astros at New York Yankees (7:07 p.m. ET, TBS)

Astros lead collection 3-0

Astros starter: Lance McCullers Jr.

Yankees starter: Nestor Cortes

Beginning lineups:

ASTROS

TBD

YANKEES

TBD

What to look at for: The Yankees might want to look to the 2004 Crimson Sox as a supply of inspiration as New York faces a 3-0 deficit within the ALCS in opposition to the Astros. Houston has cruised by means of the collection, trying like the higher workforce in each side of the sport, highlighted by sturdy performances from beginning pitchers Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. McCullers could have the prospect to shut issues out on Sunday in opposition to a Yankees lineup that regarded completely lifeless in Video games 2 and three.

Houston will want extra of the identical to punch a ticket to the World Collection: sturdy performances up and down the lineup. The Yankees will want a season-extending outing from Cortes, who has been their most constant starter all yr. New York’s lineup might want to get up, beginning with Aaron Decide, who has had an terrible postseason, hitting .156/.182/.344. — Joon Lee

Our picks

Astros 4, Yankees 2: The Yankees’ season ends on a disappointing and uncompetitive be aware because the Astros proceed their postseason undefeated streak off a stable all-around efficiency from the offense and a robust begin from McCullers. — Lee

Astros 7, Yankees 2: It is a not-very-analytical take, however the Yankees’ physique language was very zombie-like on Saturday. They appear finished. — Bradford Doolittle

Astros 2, Yankees 1: Not even Cortes on full relaxation can cease the juggernaut that’s Houston, with McCullers Jr. the most recent to silence New York’s bats. — Jeff Passan