The 2026 MLB postseason kicked off on Saturday with Game 1 of the four Division Series matchups. Historically, winning Game 1 offers a significant advantage, with teams winning the series 73% of the time since the format's inception in 1995.

Key Scores from Saturday:

• White Sox 3, Guardians 0 (Chicago leads series 1-0)
• Dodgers 5, Braves 3 (Los Angeles leads series 1-0)
• Upcoming Matches:
  • Yankees at Rays (6:30 p.m. ET)
  • Padres at Brewers (8:30 p.m. ET)

Winners and Losers of Game 1:

Winner: Teoscar Hernández
Teoscar Hernández continued his playoff prowess with a pivotal home run, marking his 11th career playoff homer. Despite the sweltering heat at 100 degrees, Hernández's timely hit in the fourth inning propelled the Dodgers to a 2-0 lead. He has demonstrated exceptional performance in the divisional round, boasting a .324 average with four home runs in 10 career NLDS games. His recent surge included a .352 average in his last 25 regular-season games, showcasing his clutch ability when it matters most.

Losers: Teams that let the Dodgers acquire Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending AL Cy Young winner, delivered a masterclass in his first playoff start for the Dodgers. He dominated with a fastball reaching 98 mph and a changeup that left hitters baffled, striking out seven over six innings. The decision to let him slip to the Dodgers could haunt rival teams in the postseason.

Winner: Munetaka Murakami
After a challenging Wild Card Series, Munetaka Murakami made a statement with a game-changing 440-foot two-run homer, securing the White Sox's victory. This crucial hit came after the Guardians squandered multiple scoring opportunities, proving Murakami's importance as he stepped up when his team needed him most.

Loser: Regular-season demons
Grant Taylor, who had struggled against the Guardians in the regular season, turned in an impressive four-inning save, striking out six and showcasing remarkable control. His performance highlighted the unpredictability of postseason play, where past struggles can be quickly forgotten.

As the postseason unfolds, the stakes are high, and every game could shift the momentum dramatically.