Upsets fill the MLB Playoff scene as students weigh in

By Brendan Kaufman, Staff Writer

The MLB playoffs are here and well underway with upsets abound and underdogs ready to claim the World Series for themselves. In the heat of the chaotic first three rounds, only two teams remain: the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Before clinching the World Series Berth, both the Rangers and Diamondbacks went seven games in their respective championship series. The Texas Rangers faced the Houston Astros in the ALCS and the Arizona Diamondbacks took on the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS. 

The Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies were looking to return to the World Series in back-to-back years after making the dance last season. Houston won the series in six games, leaving the Phillies with a hunger to get back for another chance. Meanwhile, the Rangers and Diamondbacks made it after surprising upstart seasons with the Rangers not making the playoffs since 2016 and the Diamondbacks since 2017. Both teams swept through their first two rounds to make it to their respective league’s championship series.

Senior computer science major Felipe De Figueiredo shared some of his thoughts on the playoffs so far.

“I’ve been very excited about the whole thing. These championship series matchups seem really exciting and we’ve seen some good series so far that’ll make this playoffs to remember. Go Cubs!” De Figueiredo said.

Senior digital arts major Michael Moffa shared his perspective on this year’s postseason.

“I am entertained. Being a Yankees fan it is tragic but I think the Phillies and Rangers have been playing some good ball and the Diamondbacks are there too. I need the Rangers to beat the Astros for the love of god. I have nothing good to say about Houston,” Moffa stated.

There were also some teams who had high hopes going into the playoffs that ended up disappointing in the first round. Notably, both 1 seeds ended up falling in the Divisional Series, with the Baltimore Orioles being swept by the Rangers and the Atlanta Braves losing 3-1 to the Phillies.

Moffa claims that the Orioles were the most disappointing team of these playoffs.

“Baltimore was the most surprising of the teams that lost early. They had 101 wins on the season, they won the AL East. Didn’t think that would end up being a first round sweep. Baltimore is a young team. I thought they had it in them, so it was surprising to see them lose so early,” Moffa said.

De Figueiredo, on the other hand, thought Atlanta was greatly disappointing.

“The Braves were for sure the most shocking early exit for these playoffs. They were really good in the regular season and they just lost to the Phillies like that. It’s a shame they lost. I really didn’t want the Phillies to win that series, but that’s how it goes,” De Figueiredo said..

Moffa doubles down on his opinion on the Houston Astros.

“I want the Astros to lose more than I want to see my own team win. I want them to lose really badly. I want those Astros to lose and lose more,” Moffa said.

De Figueiredo has a different team in mind when it comes to who they want to see fail in these playoffs.

“I really don’t like the Phillies in these playoffs. I’m not sure what it is about them but I just don’t want them to win. There isn’t a player in particular that makes me feel that way, so I guess it’s just vibes,” De Figueiredo said.

With game one of the World Series set for Friday, Oct. 24, Moffa gave his thoughts on what teams will win the World Series.

“I hope the Rangers take the World Series because I really like Corey Seager. Go Yankees,” Moffa said

The playoffs are just now getting to the most exciting series and the students of LIU are ready to see some good, quality baseball.