Update on the MLB playoffs

The matchups: In the American League (AL), it’s the Houston Astros vs. the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays vs. the Wild Card–winning Boston Red Sox.

• Over in the National League (NL), the Atlanta Braves are taking on the Milwaukee Brewers while the LA Dodgers — fresh off Wednesday’s thrilling walk-off Wild Card win — will face the San Francisco Giants.

AL update: Behind 6 scoreless innings from starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., the Astros jumped out to an early series lead with yesterday’s6–1 win over the White Sox. Star Chicago pitcher Lucas Giolito will look to take out the trash even things up in Game 2 today at 2:07 p.m. ET.

• In Game 1 of the other ALDS, the Rays shut out the Red Sox. Outfielder Randy Arozarena hit a solo home run in the fifth inning and then stole home (!!!) in the seventh to lift Tampa Bay to a 1-0 series lead. First pitch of Game 2 is today at 7:02 p.m. ET.

NL preview: The first NLDS begins today at 4:37 p.m. ET when the Braves take on the Brewers. With NL CY Young candidate Corbin Burnes of the Brewers and Braves ace Charlie Morton set to take the mound, we’re in for an elite pitching battle. Spoiled.

The NLDS Dodgers vs. Giants (two teams with over 100 wins on the season!) nightcap starts at 9:37 p.m. ET. The high-powered Giants offense will look to crack things open vs. Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler. California, here they come.