After nine long weeks, the Toronto Blue Jays are back in the win column. Their 209–195 victory over the Reds snapped one of the longest losing streaks of the 2025 APBL season and served as a major shakeup in the playoff race, dropping the once-first-place Reds down to third in the National League.
Meanwhile, the Braves continue to surge, securing a 299–273 win over the Cubs to remain at the top of the NL. The Yankees fell to the Orioles for the second time this season — and third time in a row overall — as the Birds pulled away with a 235–198 win. Baltimore now holds a psychological edge over the Bronx Bombers heading into the season’s final stretch.
Elsewhere, the Rangers earned a crucial 328–290 win over the Angels to strengthen their playoff positioning and move into second place in the National League. The Red Sox ended the Tigers' six-game win streak with a tight 260–243 win, while the Giants cruised over the White Sox 238–155. The Guardians’ 182-point effort wasn’t enough to stop the Cardinals, who came away with a +48 win and handed Cleveland its fourth straight loss.
Week 18 Matchups to Watch
- Reds vs. Cubs
The Reds lead the all-time series 3–1, including a playoff win, but the Cubs are trending upward. - Braves vs. Angels
A game with massive playoff implications. The Braves are slight favorites but the Angels are playing like contenders. - Orioles vs. Guardians
Baltimore holds a 3–0 lifetime edge in this series. Can the Guardians finally flip the script? - Yankees vs. Giants
A historic mismatch: the Yankees are 0–3 lifetime vs. San Francisco and need this one badly to regain momentum. - Cardinals vs. Tigers
A measuring stick game for both squads coming off opposite Week 17 results. - Blue Jays vs. Red Sox
Both teams sit at 5–12. Expect desperation and fireworks. - White Sox vs. Rangers
With a win, the Rangers could take over the NL’s top seed. The White Sox have already been eliminated but can still play spoiler.
Playoff Watch: The Race Tightens
With just five games remaining, playoff scenarios are getting serious.
- National League: All teams are still mathematically alive. The last-place team is only two games out of a playoff berth. The Reds' loss to Toronto makes the NL standings even tighter.
- American League: The White Sox are the first team eliminated. The Guardians, currently riding a four-game skid, are teetering on the edge.
If the season ended today:
- Byes: Braves (NL), Yankees (AL)
- First-Round Matchups:
- NL: Rangers vs. Reds
- AL: Tigers vs. Orioles
Every week from here on out is must-win territory. The playoff bracket is beginning to take shape—but it's far from set in stone.
