MLB playoffs: Day 1 of Division Series games recap: pitching, hitting, home runs…

The MLB Division Series has begun, with eight teams competing in a best-of-five series. Day 1 has wrapped up, with the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers entering the win column.

Here’s how the first day played out.

Philadelphia Phillies 7, Atlanta Braves 6

The Phillies didn’t play much long ball in Game 1, but they delivered their best offensive showing this season, serving up 10 hits and seven runs to the Braves in the first five innings with no homers. Aside from singles and doubles, they also had two successful sacrifice bunts. Phillies starter Ranger Suarez threw 86 pitches through 3.1 innings. Braves baseman Matt Olson hit a three-run homer off Zach Effin.

Houston Astros 8, Seattle Mariners 7

The Astros had their sixth straight ALDS Game 1 victory in the same number of postseasons. The Mariners thought they were on their way to a win as they were up by two runs as the Astros entered the ninth, but Jordan Alvarez hit a three-run walk-off homer against Robbie Ray to steal the victory.

New York Yankees 4, Cleveland Guardians 1

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Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole struck out eight batters and walked one through 6 1/3 innings, allowing only only one run on four hits- Steven Kwan’s homer. New York tied the game with Harrison Bader’s solo homer, then took the lead with a sacrifice fly. Anthony Rizzo then delivered a two-run hit to reach the final winning score.

Los Angeles Dodgers 5, San Diego Padres 3

The Dodgers had a big start and took the score to five-zero, then the Padres cut the lead to two with a great fifth inning against starting pitcher Julio Urias. However, Los Angeles’ bullpen pulled through, with four relievers depriving the Padres from scoring in the last four innings.