PLAYOFF BASEBALL SCHEDULE - ji0

MLB Playoff Schedule: Your Guide to October Baseball

The Major League Baseball (MLB) playoff schedule is a structured series of games held after the regular season to determine the league champion. It culminates in the World Series, a best-of-seven championship between the American League (AL) and National League (NL) champions. Understanding the schedule is key to following October baseball.

MLB Playoff Structure

The MLB playoffs consist of multiple rounds, each with its own format. Twelve teams participate in the playoffs: the winners of each division (East, Central, and West) in both the American and National Leagues (six teams), and the three teams in each league with the best records that did not win their division (six teams in total for the two leagues). These are the Wild Card teams.

Wild Card Series

The playoffs begin with the Wild Card Series. The top two division winners in each league receive a bye directly to the Division Series. The third division winner is seeded third and faces the third Wild Card team, and the Wild Card teams with the two best records are seeded fourth and fifth, and they play each other. These are best-of-three series, with all games played at the higher seed's home ballpark.

Division Series

The winners of the Wild Card Series advance to the Division Series (LDS), where they face the top two division winners. These are best-of-five series. The matchups are pre-determined based on regular season record. The top seed faces the winner of the 4 vs 5 Wild Card matchup, and the second seed plays the winner of the 3 vs 6 Wild Card matchup.

League Championship Series

The winners of the Division Series advance to the League Championship Series (LCS). These are best-of-seven series. The winners of each LCS become the league champions and proceed to the World Series.

World Series

The final stage is the World Series, a best-of-seven series between the champions of the American League and the National League. Home-field advantage is typically determined by the regular-season record of each league champion. playing god sheet music

Factors Influencing the Schedule

Several factors influence the exact dates and times of games, including television contracts, stadium availability, and potential weather issues. The full, official schedule is typically released shortly before the playoffs begin.

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MLB Playoff FAQs

How are MLB Playoff Games Televised?

MLB playoff games are broadcast nationally on networks such as FOX, FS1, TBS, and MLB Network. The exact broadcasting schedule varies each year.

How is Home Field Advantage Determined?

In the Wild Card Series, Division Series, and League Championship Series, the team with the better regular-season record has home-field advantage. In the World Series, home-field advantage is also determined by the regular-season record of the two league champions.

What Happens if a Game is Tied?

MLB playoff games do not end in ties. Games continue into extra innings until a winner is determined.

How Many Teams Make the Playoffs?

Twelve teams make the MLB Playoffs each year – six from the American League and six from the National League. playoff schedule mlb

When Do the Playoffs Start?

The MLB Playoffs typically start in early October, shortly after the conclusion of the regular season.

Summary

The MLB playoff schedule is a comprehensive system of games determining the league champion. It consists of Wild Card Series, Division Series, League Championship Series, and the World Series, each with its own rules and format. Understanding these components allows you to better appreciate the excitement of October baseball and cheer on your favorite team as they battle for the title.