MLB Friday Round-up: Tigers and Royals Clinch Playoff Berths, Ohtani Chases Triple Crown

As the MLB season nears its end, the playoff picture crystallizes further with each game. The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals have secured postseason spots, breaking two of the longest playoff droughts in MLB history.

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Chicago White Sox 4-1, cementing their first playoff appearance since 2014 and making the Los Angeles Angels the new proprietors of the longest active playoff drought. Tarik Skubal, a star pitcher for Detroit and a leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award, expressed his deep appreciation for the team and staff in an exuberant postgame interview with Bally Sports Detroit. Manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged the team's achievements in an emotional locker room celebration.

Similarly, the Kansas City Royals celebrated their first playoff berth since 2015, despite a 3-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Key to their qualification was the Baltimore Orioles' victory over the Minnesota Twins. Royals' first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino captured the moment’s importance, reflecting on their drastic improvement from the previous season’s 106 losses. GM J.J. Picollo noted the collective effort involved in the team’s resurgence.

While teams were clinching playoff spots, Shohei Ohtani continued his spectacular season. The LA Dodgers’ star led his team to an 11-4 win over the Colorado Rockies, bolstering his bid for the Triple Crown by hitting another home run and stealing another base. Ohtani leads the National League with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, and he trails only the San Diego Padres’ Luis Arraez in batting average. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani's exceptional season, emphasizing the importance of achieving statistical milestones like the Triple Crown.

Earlier, SSP wrote that England Cricket board to introduce gender-equal salaries in 2025.