Division Series Day Two Open Thread And Fun Facts

Oh hey, you're back again! No, it's fine, I just wasn't expecting you with that other team playing today. But I'm glad you're here, because we've got a big day of playoff games planned.

By the time you read this the Athletics and Tigers will likely already be underway in Game 2 of the ALDS in Detroit, with the A's trying to even the series after Detroit's 3-1 win last night. Doug Fister (3.45 ERA, 3.42 FIP) takes the mound for the Tigers against former Nationals prospect Tommy Milone (3.74 ERA, 3.93 FIP) and the A's.

Fun fact: This game started at 9 am Pacific time.

The first of today's two NLDS matchups takes place at 2 in St. Louis, where the Cardinals will look to defend their play-in game championship against the NL's best team, the Nationals. The Cardinals will send Adam Wainwright (3.94 ERA, 3.10 FIP) to the mound while the Nationals send NL Cy Young contender Gio Gonzalez (2.89 ERA, 2.82 FIP).

Fun fact: The Nationals (1) now have as many playoff appearances in their eight seasons in Washington as the Expos (1) had in their 36 years in Montreal. The Expos won 90 or more games in 1979, 1980, 1987 and 1993 and missed the playoffs in all four seasons.

The day's second ALDS game will be played at 5, as CC Sabathia (3.38 ERA, 3.33 FIP) and the Yankees take on Jason Hammel (3.43 ERA, 3.29 FIP) and the Orioles. This is the first game of this series.

Fun fact: The Yankees have reached the postseason in 17 of the last 18 seasons. The Orioles have made the playoffs 12 times in the last 112 years.

Finally, today's action wraps up with an 8:30 start featuring the Reds and Giants in Game 2 of the NLDS in San Francisco. The Reds won Game 1 last night 5-2. Tonight they'll send Bronson Arroyo (3.74 ERA, 4.08 FIP) to the mound against Madison Bumgarner (3.37 ERA, 3.50 FIP).

Fun fact: The Reds (Johnny Cueto) and the 1998 Indians (Doc Gooden) are the only two teams in the last 48 years to win a postseason game despite having their starter record one out or less.