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Sunday MLB playoffs open thread

There’s been a lot to enjoy about the playoffs so far. If either or both of the Yankees and Red Sox get eliminated today, that would be even more fun.

Divisional Round - Boston Red Sox v Houston Astros - Game Two Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images

The playoffs have mostly been fun for this Orioles fan so far, last night’s Cubs bullpen dumpster fire notwithstanding. They could get better still today as the potential exists for both the Red Sox and the Yankees to be eliminated if they lose.

That would be a lot of fun, but let’s not take that as a given. Things can always turn around in a hurry. One dope throws a hanging curveball to the wrong person and it’s all a mess. And home teams have had the advantage so far this postseason, with only one home team losing a game so far.

Of course, that’s because the home teams have been the teams with better records. As things shift to Boston and New York, they may still be the home teams, but they’re still going up against good Astros and Indians teams.

There have been some good pitching matchups in the postseason so far. A potentially decisive Game 3 of the ALDS between Brad Peacock and Doug Fister doesn’t seem like it’s going to be one of them. You never know, though. We’re due for a low-scoring game in one of these AL postseason games, eventually. Maybe today will be the day.

Today's Lineups

HOUSTON ASTROS BOSTON RED SOX
George Springer - CF Xander Bogaerts - SS
Josh Reddick - RF Dustin Pedroia - 2B
Jose Altuve - 2B Andrew Benintendi - LF
Carlos Correa - SS Mookie Betts - RF
Marwin Gonzalez - LF Mitch Moreland - 1B
Alex Bregman - 3B Hanley Ramirez - DH
Carlos Beltran - DH Rafael Devers - 3B
Yulieski Gurriel - 1B Sandy Leon - C
Brian McCann - C Jackie Bradley - CF
Brad Peacock - RHP Doug Fister - RHP