Guardians Rally, Wild-Card Day 2 Promises More Drama
Baseball games today continued the 2025 MLB playoffs with another packed slate. After an electrifying first day, Day 2 saw the Cleveland Guardians force a Game 3 thanks to a late offensive burst, and set up a full Wednesday of do-or-die action where the Tigers, Cubs, Red Sox and Dodgers all had the chance to advance.
In a tight Game 2, it was Brayan Rocchio—hitting ninth in the order—who became a hero for Cleveland. Rocchio crushed a 99.9 mph fastball from Troy Melton into the right-field bleachers for a go-ahead solo homer in the bottom of the eighth. That swing ignited a rally: Steven Kwan doubled, Daniel Schneemann followed with another double, and Bo Naylor capped the burst with a three-run homer that put the game out of reach. Guardians closer Cade Smith slammed the door in the ninth to seal the win and set up a decisive Game 3.
Schedule and Stakes for MLB Wild-Card Game 2 (Day 2)
- No. 6 Detroit Tigers vs. No. 3 Cleveland Guardians — live on ESPN.
- No. 5 San Diego Padres vs. No. 4 Chicago Cubs — 3:08 p.m. ET on ABC.
- No. 5 Boston Red Sox vs. No. 4 New York Yankees — 6:08 p.m. ET on ESPN.
- No. 6 Cincinnati Reds vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Dodgers — 9:08 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Each matchup carried weight: winners would move on, losers would be eliminated. The Guardians’ late-inning explosion proved how quickly a postseason game can turn, and it set the tone for a do-or-die Game 3 to follow.
Game 2 Recap: How the Guardians Won
For much of the contest, offense was scarce. Then Rocchio’s eighth-inning homer shifted everything. The sequence that followed showed the tight margins of postseason baseball:
- Rocchio’s 99.9 mph blast gave Cleveland the lead.
- Steven Kwan and Daniel Schneemann delivered crucial doubles to keep momentum alive.
- Bo Naylor’s three-run shot put the game out of reach.
- Cade Smith closed in the ninth to preserve the victory.
That offensive surge pushed the series to a decisive contest on Thursday, promising more drama and an unpredictable finish.
Blue Jays, ALDS Timing and Roster Notes
With the wild-card winners set to feed into the Division Series, MLB also announced the Blue Jays’ broadcast schedule for the opening two games of the ALDS. Toronto earned a bye to the Division Series after clinching the AL East with a 13-4 win over Tampa Bay on the season’s final day.
Key points for Toronto and the ALDS pairings:
- If Boston wins its wild-card series vs. New York, Toronto will start the Division Series Saturday at 1:08 p.m. ET against the Red Sox.
- If New York advances instead, Toronto’s opener will be Saturday at 4:08 p.m. ET against the Yankees.
- Game 2 in either scenario is set for 4:08 p.m. on Sunday.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins reported that shortstop Bo Bichette is improving day to day after a left knee sprain that sidelined him for the final three weeks of the regular season. There’s no firm return date yet. Toronto plans intrasquad scrimmages over the next two days as they prepare and will announce their 26-man roster for the series on Saturday morning.
What to Watch Next
- Guardians vs. Tigers: With Game 3 looming, Thursday’s decider will be a test of bullpen depth and late-game poise.
- Cubs, Red Sox and Dodgers: Each club had the chance to close out their wild-card series Wednesday and move on to the next round.
- Blue Jays: Their ALDS matchup hinges on the Boston–New York result, and Bichette’s status could factor into Toronto’s lineup decisions.
Baseball games today kept fans glued to their seats. Reminding everyone how quickly postseason heroics can rewrite expectations. Follow TNN for live updates, mlb scores, and the latest sports news. Updates on how many games in wild card series, mlb wild card format, and more baseball scores. Stay tuned for ESPN MLB scores recaps and the Chicago Cubs schedule as the bracket continues to take shape.
