Sports · Baseball · 5 hrs ago
Runs are scarce as the 2026 MLB playoffs reach the championship series
Only four teams remain in the 2026 MLB playoffs: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.
The Brewers and Dodgers are set to meet in the National League Championship Series, while the Guardians and Rays face each other in the American League Championship Series.
Through 25 postseason games, teams are averaging 3.46 runs per game, compared with 4.48 during the regular season.
If that rate holds, this will be the lowest-scoring postseason since the Division Series became a regular part of the playoffs in 1995.
Scoring often falls in the playoffs, but this season's drop is larger than usual.
A small number of games may partly explain the trend, while many playoff teams were strong at preventing runs and some top hitters are injured or playing hurt.
The low-scoring pattern could continue as the two championship series begin.
Runs are scarce in the 2026 MLB playoffs, with teams averaging 3.46 runs per game through 25 games.
That average is more than a run below the regular-season rate of 4.48.
If the rate holds, this would be the lowest-scoring postseason since the Division Series began in 1995.
Four teams remain: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.
The Dodgers could become the first National League team to win three consecutive World Series titles, while three other teams seek their first title or an end to a long drought.
- Who
- The Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays remain in the playoffs.
- What
- The teams are competing in the National League and American League Championship Series, with runs unusually hard to score.
- When
- The 2026 postseason; the article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The Brewers and Dodgers open their series at American Family Field. The Guardians and Rays start their series at Tropicana Field.
- Why
- The article says the low scoring may reflect a small sample, a playoff field strong in run prevention, and some top hitters being injured or physically compromised.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This was a difficult year
For us to be one step away from the World Series, our ultimate goal, this is really exciting.
The Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox in Game 5 of the ALDS.
The Brewers and Dodgers are scheduled to open their NLCS matchup at American Family Field.
The Guardians and Rays are scheduled to start their ALCS at Tropicana Field.
- Postseason runs per game
- 3.46 through 25 games
- Regular-season runs per game
- 4.48
- Playoff teams remaining
- Four
- NLCS venue
- American Family Field
- ALCS venue
- Tropicana Field
Sources
Related news
Brewers host Dodgers in National League Championship Series opener
Brewers captain benched for Game 1 against Dodgers
Dodgers face Brewers with Tarik Skubal starting
Ohtani bats fourth, Hernández starts at second base in NLCS Game 1
Yankees social media spotlight is titled “Curtains”
Cubs look back at their 2016 NLDS ninth-inning comeback
Championship Series matchups highlight Nationals’ ability to win without a huge payroll
A pitching matchup is billed as the 2026 postseason’s best
Dodgers and Brewers announce NLCS rosters
Dodgers name Skubal for NLCS opener against Brewers, Yamamoto for Game 2
Gavin Williams to start for Guardians in deciding ALDS Game 5
