How Many Games Is the Wild Card Series?

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By Eric Wilson

If you’re a fan of baseball, you’re probably familiar with the Wild Card Series. This exciting series is a part of the MLB playoffs and determines which teams will advance to the next round. But how many games is the Wild Card Series?

The Wild Card Series is a best-of-three series played between the two wild card teams in each league. The winner of each series advances to the Division Series, which is also a best-of-three series.

Now, let’s break it down further.

What is the Wild Card?

The Wild Card is a team that qualifies for the playoffs without winning their division. In each league, there are two Wild Card teams that compete in a one-game playoff to determine which team advances to the Wild Card Series.

How Many Games are Played in the Wild Card Series?

As mentioned earlier, the Wild Card Series is a best-of-three series. This means that the first team to win two games advances to the next round.

Game 1

The first game of the series is played at the home stadium of the higher-seeded team. The higher-seeded team is determined by their regular season record.

Game 2 and Game 3

If necessary, Game 2 and Game 3 are played at the home stadium of the lower-seeded team. If one team wins both Game 1 and Game 2, there will be no need for Game 3.

When is the Wild Card Series Played?

The dates for the Wild Card Series vary from year to year depending on when the regular season ends. However, it typically takes place in early October.

The Importance of Winning Game 1

Winning Game 1 of the Wild Card Series can be crucial for advancing to the next round. According to MLB.com, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-three series have gone on to win the series 73% of the time.

Conclusion

In summary, the Wild Card Series is a best-of-three series played between the two Wild Card teams in each league. The first team to win two games advances to the next round, and Game 1 is played at the home stadium of the higher-seeded team. Winning Game 1 can be crucial for advancing to the next round, and it typically takes place in early October.