Here Are The Numbers: Wild Card Recap

Kris Caballero • Oct 05, 2025 • 0 comments • Talkin' MLB

For those who believe numbers don't lie, which we know is true, here's our take on the Wild Card games. The season this year for MLB was so-so, as there have been some rough patches, namely when it came to attracting fans to fill their stadiums. Other than that, the Dodgers are still in the running and could be on the verge of being a repeat champion. Anyway, let's see how the game in the Wild Card did with respect to those playing fantasy baseball and placing bets. How did you all do?

Tigers had a solid play as the game started; and that great double-play in the second. Then again, Guardians had their own double-play in the third. Great game, but remember his name: Tarik Skubal. Amazing work from the Tigers' pitcher, which helped them handle business. Guardians nearly caught up with José Ramerírez's triple play, but Tigers roared their way against the Guardians.

Game started a bit slow, until Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki hit homers. Even though the Padres held control, they came up a bit short near this game's conclusion. The game itself was okay, and while there were no grand slams, it was apparent among bettors—our term for bettors who won on all three secttions: Money Line, Run Spread and Total Points.

Another great game by two historic rivals in MLB. Only homer was from Anthony Volpe, but the rest were scored by base hits. Came down to the wire, even with bases loaded, but Yankees couldn't capitalize. Per betting, Red Sox won both Money Line and Run Spread. Again, this game was great and fun, but not only did Yankees lose, so did those 66% that bet on the Money Line for New York.

It was "Sho-time" for Shohei Ohtani—hitting two home runs. Dodgers had this game under their control, though complacency need not be considered even with a large lead. Why? Reds nearly caught up to where bases were loaded for them; could've easily gotten a grand slam. Speaking of which, no "Grand Slam" here on the betting side, despite Dodgers winning Money Line and Run Spread. Other than that, this was a fun game to start the Wild Card round.

A phenomenal game to start Game 2 of the Wild Card. Things looked a little steady until the 8th inning, where the Guardians took control. While the Tigers looked like they had a chance, that late catch by C.J. Kayfus closing out this game. Even though things looked good via betting, it was a push in terms of Points Total; however, all bets won in favor of Cleveland. What a great game!

Cubs struggled in this game. While Chicago had some great hits throughout the game, Padres looked solid yet nonchalant. Admittedly though, Shota Imanaga had a nice pitching moment; but all that wasn't enough. Money Line and Run Spread won on the side of San Diego, and only Total Points for Chicago. Besides that, Cubs couldn't capitalize on this game. Oh, and that home run from Manny Machado was "fire."

We're sure Yankees fans enjoyed that "Home Run bowl" because it contained Rice—Ben Rice, that is, hitting the game's first home run. However, Red Sox told a different "story," where Trevor Story hits a home run of his own on the sixth inning. The game grew suspensful as it went on, yet Yankees had a few double plays which helped a lot. Also, Yankees won two out of the three sections via betting, which are Money Line and Total Points. Another game that came down to the wire, and concluded with a catch by Aaron Judge. Fantastic game!

Reds were on fire at the beginning, giving Dodgers a tough time. That changed thanks to Yoshinobu Yamamoto throwing strikeout after strikeout. There were no home runs, but thanks to Yamamoto, Dodgers took care of business. For those on the betting side, Money Line and Run Spread won per Los Angeles. Not much else, but even if it's not home runs, a team's pitcher makes a huge difference. Great work by the Dodgers.

This deciding game was a seesaw, keeping fans at the edge of their seats. However, Dylan Dingler gave Tigers a well-needed home run. That gave Detroit plenty of momentum, to where Guardians never had an answer. Tigers also had a "Grand Slam" on the side of betting, winning all three sections. Amazing comeback and turnaround by the Tigers.

Cubs were solid at the start, like they knew this game belonged to them. Better yet, a crucial home run from Michael Busch seemed to seal the deal; kind of, despite the late home run by Jackson Merrill. Amazing suspense heading into the ninth, but Padres ran out of steam. Not only did the Cubs win, bettors won as well, winning all three sections. Business has been taken cared of, and that's why Cubs have advanced.

One of MLB's greatest rivals, Red Sox looked dry; looked sloppy as well with regards to missed catches. Yankees took care of business no problem, as the pace favored them. There were no home runs but Yankees hit the "Grand Slam" in terms of betting, winning all three. The crowd in New York were awesome.

MLB Wild Card Picks and Results
Game	Kris' Pick	Result
WILD CARD GAME 1: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians	Cleveland Guardians	Wrong
WILD CARD GAME 1: San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs	San Diego Padres	Wrong
WILD CARD GAME 1: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees	New York Yankees	Wrong
WILD CARD GAME 1: Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers	Los Angeles Dodgers	Correct
WILD CARD GAME 2: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians	Cleveland Guardians	Correct
WILD CARD GAME 2: San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs	San Diego Padres	Correct
WILD CARD GAME 2: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees	Boston Red Sox	Correct
WILD CARD GAME 2: Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers	Los Angeles Dodgers	Correct
WILD CARD GAME 3: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians	Cleveland Guardians	Wrong
WILD CARD GAME 3: San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs	San Diego Padres	Wrong
WILD CARD GAME 3: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees	New York Yankees	Correct
Kris' Results for Wild Card
Ratio/Percent of Correct Picks	6/11	55%
Ratio/Percent of Incorrect Picks	5/11	45%

(These picks were placed personally on both Yahoo! Sports.)

Great start into the postseason for baseball. Some great plays and hits, but some teams that did well last season, were headed to the dugout this year. Only teams that held their own were Dodgers and Yankees—two teams that faced each other last year. Hard to say who'll be heading into the World Series, and even though bettors are guessing it's likely Dodgers again, surprises have happened before. Speaking of bets, few teams, being underdogs, cleaned house, albeit not the entire series. Still, fans and bettors got their teams a-winnin' and that's why they were able to advance. Looks like we may see new opponents as we approach the finals.

Did you win your bets? Which team(s) impressed you the most? Which ones were a bust? Let's talk about it in the comments section below!

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