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Wild Card Series Standouts
Four pitchers and hitters shine in 2026 Wild Card Series.
In brief
Four pitchers and hitters shine in 2026 Wild Card Series. Four MLB teams showcased standout performances in the 2026 Wild Card Series with unique pitching and hitting strategies. Originally reported by Mlb.
White Sox: Jordan Hicks leads a flame-throwing bullpen
Hicks boosted his fastball velocity to 97.1 mph in the AL Wild Card Series, the fastest of any team in postseason play.
Yankees: Ben Rice continues to mash fastballs
Rice rapped out five hits with 95+ mph exit velocity against fastballs in the AL Wild Card Series.
Padres: Nick Pivetta's fastball looks sharp
Pivetta allowed one run while recording 10 outs against baseball's best offense in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series.
Braves: Tyler Mahle's dominant splitter
Mahle threw 55 splitters in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series, the most in a single game in pitch-tracking era history.
Hicks' velocity surge
Hicks' fastball velocity rose from 94.7 mph in regular season to 97.1 mph in Wild Card Series, the fastest of any team.
Rice's fastball mastery
Rice led all qualified hitters in slugging percentage (.843) against four-seam fastballs in 2026, with five hits in Wild Card Series.
Pivetta's rising fastball
Pivetta's fastball induced five whiffs on 16 swings, allowing one run while recording 10 outs against top MLB offense.
Mahle's splitter dominance
Mahle threw 55 splitters in Game 2 of NL Wild Card Series, generating 13 misses on 35 swings and five strikeouts.
What happens next
The Braves will need more than just Chris Sale to dethrone the Dodgers in the NLDS, with Mahle's splitter potentially solidifying his role.
The big picture
Four MLB teams showcased standout performances in the 2026 Wild Card Series with unique pitching and hitting strategies.
