MLB Thursday playoff open thread

The American League will wrap up its first round today with one deciding Game Three, while we will see which National League teams can finish up a quick 2-0 series sweep. Hopefully these games can finish quicker than the Indians/Yankees marathon last night.

Here is today’s schedule:

Reds at Braves (Braves lead 1-0), 11:08 CT, ESPN

The Reds could field a track team with all the stranded base runners from yesterday’s game. The Braves won it on a walk-off single from Freddie Freeman who continued his amazing season. Luis Castillo faces off against rookie Ian Anderson.

Marlins at Cubs (Marlins lead 1-0), 1:08 CT, ABC

The Marlins have never lost a playoff series, and could continue that streak with a win today against the Cubs. It has been an improbable season for the plucky Marlins, and they could pose a formidable challenge with hard-throwing rookie Sixto Sanchez on the mound against Cubs ace Yu Darvish.

White Sox at Athletics (series tied 1-1), 2:10 CT, ESPN

The A’s jumped on Dallas Keuchel in Game 2 to tie up the series, giving us a deciding Game Three between two exciting young teams. Rookies Dylan Cease and Dane Dunning are possibilities to start for the White Sox, who haven’t named a starter, although you could see a bullpen day. Mike Fiers and Sean Manaea are possibilities for the A’s.

Cardinals at Padres (Cardinals lead 1-0), 6:08 CT, ESPN

Could the Cardinals deprive the country of a fun Padres run? San Diego has been hurt by having two of their top pitchers - Dinelson Lamet and Mike Clevinger - out, and Zach Davies will look to tie up the series against Cardinals vet Adam Wainwright.

Brewers at Dodgers (Dodgers lead 1-0), 9:08 CT, ESPN

The Brewers will look to get off to a better start than they did in Game 1, when Brent Suter couldn’t seem to find the plate. Brandon Woodruff looks to even the series, but he’ll have to do so against Clayton Kershaw, who has had his fair share of struggles in the post-season.