Amidst all the playoff storylines around the game on September 26, perhaps the most significant game of the day took place in Detroit. Justin Verlander, a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame, pitched in a Major League game one last time before his pending retirement.
Tigers walk off Pirates in Verlander’s last start
The Tigers walked off the Pirates 4-3 on September 26, a game with little consequence on the playoff race but was a significant game in Detroit nonetheless.
Justin Verlander made his final MLB start on the day, going 5.1 IP and striking out six against Pittsburgh. The only damage done by Pittsburgh on Verlander was done by solo home runs via Brandon Lowe & Jacob Gonzalez. But down in the ninth, Eduardo Valencia walked it off with his seventh home run.
On the other side, Kirby Yates started by the Pirates and tossed 1.2 IP. Yates will retire at the end of the year.
Guardians take AL Central again
The Guardians defeated the Royals 11-5 in Kansas City, locking up the AL Central for the third straight year.
Patrick Bailey & Brayan Rocchio each hit two home runs for the Guardians. Tanner Bibee struck out six over six innings, picking up his seventh win of 2026.
Cleveland will receive a first-round bye and move to the ALDS next weekend.
Padres clinch #4 seed in NL
The Padres won their 90th game of the season, defeating the Diamondbacks 10-7.
Walker Buehler did not go four on the 26th, although the bullpen did plenty well. However, Mason Miller looked human in the ninth, as he allowed three runs against Arizona. Manny Machado hit his 30th home run, while Xander Bogaerts blasted his 13th.
San Diego is now locked into a rematch with the Cubs in the 2026 NL Wild Card round, with this matchup slated to take place in California. Arizona is still alive in the National League playoff race, thanks to a loss from the Phillies.
Phillies fall again
The Rays blew out the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Aaron Nola started on two days rest but only lasted one inning. Nola allowed three runs, two of which were courtesy of a Junior Caminero two-run shot. Victor Mesa Jr. had three four hits and two RBI, while Richie Palacios had two hits and four RBI. Yandy Diaz racked up three hits.
The Phillies can lock up a playoff spot simply by winning on the 27th. Otherwise, Philadelphia would need the Diamondbacks to lose.
Rangers stay alive
The Rangers defeated Minnesota 6-2.
It was a good day for the Rangers’ offense. Danny Jansen and Jake Burger each went deep, while Ezequiel Duran, Alejandro Osuna, Evan Carter, and Jansen each had two hits.
Houston also won on the 26th. That means the Rangers will need to win and see the Astros lose in Sacramento, to win the AL West.
Everything else
- Mets def. Nationals 7-1
- Reds def. Blue Jays 5-1
- Dodgers def. Giants 4-3
- Braves def. Marlins 8-3
- Rockies def. White Sox 9-6
- Brewers def. Cardinals 3-2
- Astros def. Athletics 3-2
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