30 for 30 Season -- Game 163

 After 162 games for every team.... the playoff picture still wasn't finalized, as the NL East and AL West both needed a 163rd game to determine the division winner! The matchups? Oakland vs Houston and Miami vs Philadelphia!

Both the NL and AL MVP will be playing in Game 163

Because it is Game 163, and therefore happening "immediately" after game 162 in-season time, the teams will be sending out their #3 starters (who would be next up in the rotation). Let's get into it!

NL EAST -- Showdown of 91-71 squads for the #2 seed in the National League

Philadelphia is the host because of their superior division record.

14-9, 4.28 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 214.2 IP, 169 K

10-14, 3.35 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 220.1 IP, 181 K

RESULT:    1-0 Philadephia

In a pitcher's duel, Doc Halladay outgunned the D-Train. The Hall of Famer went 8 innings, surrendering only two hits and one walk. Meanwhile, the Phillies office continuously put on runners (8 H, 3 BB vs Willis), but the famed wind-up wizard held Philadelphia to a measly one run... but that was enough with Halladay absolutely dealing and Bastardo coming in to close the game! The lone run came from Bobby Abreu, driven in by Carlos Ruiz. 

With that, the Philadelphia Phillies end up 92-71 and the #2 Seed in the NL!!

AL WEST -- Battle between a pair of 87-75 teams for the #2 seed in the American League

Oakland is the home team because they had the better record against AL West teams.

10-12, 4.34 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 184.1 IP, 207 K

9-10, 3.63 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 188.2 IP, 129 K

Result:   5-2 Houston

Duchscherer had a solid enough start (6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB with 3 R), but he got taken deep twice by Jeff Bagwell for all three runs. Then in the 8th, Houston added a couple more runs off of Blake Trenien thanks to a Lance Berkman dinger, giving them ample run support. Bolstered by McCullers escaping jam after jam (6 IP, 4 H, 7 BB with a solo HR given up to Canha), the Astros bullpen came in and slammed the door (3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB). MVP McGwire was neutralized, going 0-2 with 3 BB. 

Following this result, the Astros will be hosting Boston as. the #2 seed and Oakland will be hosting Seattle in the wild card game!

MVP of Game 163 -- 3-4 with 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R

PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Bracket set

Following these games, we know have our brackets set --

AMERICAN LEAGUE

(5) Seattle 86-76 at (4) Oakland 87-76

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WILD CARD WINNER at (1) Cleveland 91-71

(3) Boston 87-75 at (2) Houston 88-75

NATIONAL LEAGUE

(5) Chicago Cubs 88-74 at (4) Miami 91-72

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WILD CARD WINNER at (1) Milwaukee 106-56

(3) Arizona 87-75 at (2) Philadelphia 92-71