Newcomer Josh Bell, Ketel Marte each homer twice, Diamondbacks outlast Pirates 9-8
Read full article: Newcomer Josh Bell, Ketel Marte each homer twice, Diamondbacks outlast Pirates 9-8Josh Bell homered from both sides of the plate in his Arizona debut, Ketel Marte also hit two home runs and the Diamondbacks beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-8 on Friday night after blowing a five-run lead.
Marte, Pederson, newcomer Bell hit consecutive 1st-inning HRs for Diamondbacks in Pittsburgh
Read full article: Marte, Pederson, newcomer Bell hit consecutive 1st-inning HRs for Diamondbacks in PittsburghKetel Marte, Joc Pederson and newcomer Josh Bell hit consecutive first-inning home runs for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
Diamondbacks' Christian Walker continues his Dodger Stadium rampage, hitting 2 more homers
Read full article: Diamondbacks' Christian Walker continues his Dodger Stadium rampage, hitting 2 more homersArizona Diamondbacks slugger Christian Walker continued his Dodger Stadium rampage Thursday, homering in his first two at-bats for his 18th and 19th home runs in 42 career games at the ballpark.
Matos hits first career HR to lift Giants past Diamondbacks 7-6 for 12th win in 13 games
Read full article: Matos hits first career HR to lift Giants past Diamondbacks 7-6 for 12th win in 13 gamesLuis Matos hit his first career home run, a go-ahead two-run drive in the sixth inning, and the San Francisco Giants beat the division-leading Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 for their 12th win in 13 games.
Joc Pederson, Martín Pérez accept $19.65M qualifying offers
Read full article: Joc Pederson, Martín Pérez accept $19.65M qualifying offersOutfielder Joc Pederson and left-hander Martín Pérez were the only players to accept $19.65 million qualifying offers from their former teams and end their free agency.
Drury, Nola homer in big rally, Padres beat Giants 13-7
Read full article: Drury, Nola homer in big rally, Padres beat Giants 13-7Brandon Drury hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the sixth and Austin Nola’s two-run homer capped a seven-run rally that carried the San Diego Padres to a wild 13-7 win against the San Francisco Giants.
Machado's 3-run homer gives Padres dramatic win over Giants
Read full article: Machado's 3-run homer gives Padres dramatic win over GiantsManny Machado hit a game-ending, three-run homer and Juan Soto connected for his first long ball with the San Diego Padres, who overcame a blown save by Josh Hader to beat the San Francisco Giants 7-4.
Dodgers recover, beat Giants 9-6 on Betts' 3-run HR in 8th
Read full article: Dodgers recover, beat Giants 9-6 on Betts' 3-run HR in 8thMookie Betts broke an eighth-inning tie with a three-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 9-6 after blowing a five-run lead in the seventh.
Kershaw to start All-Star Game for NL, McClanahan for AL
Read full article: Kershaw to start All-Star Game for NL, McClanahan for ALLos Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will start for the National League on Tuesday night in the first All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium since 1980, and Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan will be on the mound for the American League.
Trout, Ohtani, Betts, Turner to start All-Star Game in LA
Read full article: Trout, Ohtani, Betts, Turner to start All-Star Game in LAMike Trout and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were elected Friday to start in the July 19 All-Star Game along with outfielders Mookie Betts and Trea Turner of the host Dodgers.
LEADING OFF: Freeman returns to Atlanta, Pham sees Pederson
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Freeman returns to Atlanta, Pham sees PedersonFreddie Freeman is sure to get a huge ovation when he returns to Truist Park for the first time since helping lead the Atlanta Braves to the World Series championship.
Suwinski hits 3rd HR in bottom 9th, lifts Bucs over Giants
Read full article: Suwinski hits 3rd HR in bottom 9th, lifts Bucs over GiantsJack Suwinski hit his third homer of the game in the ninth inning, giving the Pittsburgh Pirates a 4-3, walk-off victory over the San Francisco Giants to avoid a three-game sweep.
On the hook: Angels' Trout still fantasy commish, for now
Read full article: On the hook: Angels' Trout still fantasy commish, for nowLos Angeles Angels star Mike Trout says he's talked to Cincinnati outfielder Tommy Pham and San Francisco outfielder Joc Pederson about their fantasy football dispute.
Castillo, Votto lead Reds to 1st Fenway win since '75 Series
Read full article: Castillo, Votto lead Reds to 1st Fenway win since '75 SeriesLuis Castillo struck out 10 while pitching six innings of one-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Boston 2-1 for their first victory at Fenway Park since Game 7 of the 1975 World Series.
Reds' Pham suspended 3 games for slapping Pederson
Read full article: Reds' Pham suspended 3 games for slapping PedersonCincinnati Reds outfielder Tommy Pham has been suspended by Major League Baseball for three games after San Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson said Pham slapped him because of a dispute about their fantasy football league.
Reds' Pham slaps Giants' Pederson over fantasy football beef
Read full article: Reds' Pham slaps Giants' Pederson over fantasy football beefSan Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson said Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tommy Pham slapped him prior to Friday’s series opener over a dispute about their fantasy football league.
Pederson hits 3 HRs, drives in 8 as Giants stun Mets 13-12
Read full article: Pederson hits 3 HRs, drives in 8 as Giants stun Mets 13-12Joc Pederson homered three times and drove in a career-high eight runs, including a tying single with two outs in the ninth inning, and the San Francisco Giants outslugged the New York Mets 13-12 in one of the wildest games imaginable.
Possibility of universal DH could affect roster decisions
Read full article: Possibility of universal DH could affect roster decisionsIf the universal designated hitter returns to the National League for good next season as many people believe, don’t be looking for the role to be filled with prototypical aging superstars who no longer play a position.
No Sprite, no spite: Braves' Anthopoulos beaming as WS champ
Read full article: No Sprite, no spite: Braves' Anthopoulos beaming as WS champAlex Anthopoulos and his family settled on unusual ways to be festive after the Braves' general manager was forced to quarantine at home with COVID-19 as his team ended Atlanta’s 26-year championship drought in the big four major sports.
Schwarber, Pederson decline options, become free agents
Read full article: Schwarber, Pederson decline options, become free agentsAtlanta outfielder Joc Pederson and Boston infielder-outfielder Kyle Schwarber were among 10 players who became free agents when they both declined 2022 mutual options in their contracts.
New deal for Freeman top priority for Series champion Braves
Read full article: New deal for Freeman top priority for Series champion BravesAtlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman’s future is the most pressing offseason issue facing the Braves, who beat the Astros to cap an improbable run to their first World Series title since 1995.
Braves blast 4 HRs, beat Dodgers 9-2 for 3-1 lead in NLCS
Read full article: Braves blast 4 HRs, beat Dodgers 9-2 for 3-1 lead in NLCSEddie Rosario homered twice in his second four-hit game of the NL Championship Series and six Atlanta pitchers combined on a four-hitter, giving the Braves a 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven playoff.
LEADING OFF: Curious pitching strategy in playoffs all over
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Curious pitching strategy in playoffs all overIn a postseason already marked by curious pitching strategy, Julio Urías returns to his regular role in the rotation when the Los Angeles Dodgers play Atlanta in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.
Late-night magic: Braves beat Dodgers 5-4, lead NLCS 2-0
Read full article: Late-night magic: Braves beat Dodgers 5-4, lead NLCS 2-0The Braves won with a walk-off hit for the second night in a row when Eddie Rosario lined a two-out single off shortstop Corey Seager’s glove, giving Atlanta a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Riley's game-winning single in 9th lifts Braves past Dodgers
Read full article: Riley's game-winning single in 9th lifts Braves past DodgersAustin Riley homered and drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Atlanta Braves a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series.
Fried sharp, Braves blank Brewers 3-0 to tie NLDS at 1-all
Read full article: Fried sharp, Braves blank Brewers 3-0 to tie NLDS at 1-allMax Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlanta’s bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitker’s quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece.
Tellez HR, throw spark Brewers over Braves 2-1 in Game 1
Read full article: Tellez HR, throw spark Brewers over Braves 2-1 in Game 1Rowdy Tellez spoiled Charlie Morton’s gem with a two-run homer in the seventh inning and threw out a runner at home plate, leading the Milwaukee Brewers over the Atlanta Braves 2-1 in the opener of their NL Division Series.
NL East-leading Braves overcome Duvall's lost HR in victory
Read full article: NL East-leading Braves overcome Duvall's lost HR in victoryIan Anderson pitched two-hit ball over six-plus innings and Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman homered as the Braves beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2.
Seager, Dodgers beat Braves 3-2; Albies' foul injures knee
Read full article: Seager, Dodgers beat Braves 3-2; Albies' foul injures kneeCorey Seager hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a matchup of playoff contenders.
Soler's homer, Pederson's catch lift Braves over Giants 6-5
Read full article: Soler's homer, Pederson's catch lift Braves over Giants 6-5Jorge Soler hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, Joc Pederson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat San Francisco 6-5 to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak.
Yankees hit 3 HRs, hold off Braves 5-4 for 11th straight win
Read full article: Yankees hit 3 HRs, hold off Braves 5-4 for 11th straight winWandy Peralta retired Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded for the final out, and the New York Yankees held off the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in a thriller to extend their longest winning streak in 36 years to 11 games.
McNeil lifts Mets over Braves 1-0 for doubleheader split
Read full article: McNeil lifts Mets over Braves 1-0 for doubleheader splitJeff McNeil laced his second go-ahead hit in two days Monday night, when his RBI double in the fifth inning sent the New York Mets to a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves and a doubleheader split.
Pederson, Rizzo, Contreras homer as Cubs beat Cardinals 8-5
Read full article: Pederson, Rizzo, Contreras homer as Cubs beat Cardinals 8-5Joc Pederson homered and drove in three runs, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras went deep and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-5 on Friday afternoon.
Davies strong, Rizzo, Wisdom homer in Cubs' 7-1 win vs Pads
Read full article: Davies strong, Rizzo, Wisdom homer in Cubs' 7-1 win vs PadsZach Davies allowed just one hit in six scoreless innings, Anthony Rizzo homered and drove in four runs, and Patrick Wisdom went deep again for the Chicago Cubs as they defeated the San Diego Padres 7-1.
Machado, O’Grady power Padres past Cubs 9-4 in series opener
Read full article: Machado, O’Grady power Padres past Cubs 9-4 in series openerManny Machado and Brian O’Grady each homered and had three RBIs to lead the San Diego Padres over the Chicago Cubs 9-4 in the opener of a three-game series between National League contenders.
Bieber extends own MLB strikeout record, Indians beat Cubs
Read full article: Bieber extends own MLB strikeout record, Indians beat CubsShane Bieber pitched out of some early trouble before extending his strikeout record and César Hernández hit a two-run homer, sending the Cleveland Indians to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.
LEADING OFF: Jackie Robinson Day, Red Sox go for 10th in row
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Jackie Robinson Day, Red Sox go for 10th in rowAll players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear No. 42 on Thursday to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, marking the anniversary of the date the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Famer made his Major League Baseball debut and broke the sport’s color barrier in 1947.
Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2
Read full article: Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer — a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.
Bogaerts spring debut after shoulder woe, Tatis HR in return
Read full article: Bogaerts spring debut after shoulder woe, Tatis HR in returnOn that one, we are probably on the same page.”RED SOX 8, RAYS 2Garrett Richards struck out seven in four scoreless innings for Boston. ATHLETICS 5, PADRES 4Fernando Tatis Jr. led off the game with his second spring home run, a smashing return after missing six days with a non-virus bug. The 30-year-old left has pitched four scoreless innings this spring. BREWERS 8, CUBS 3 (7)Brandon Woodruff made his second start for Milwaukee, allowing five hits in two scoreless innings. BRAVES 8, TWINS 5Michael Pineda, who last pitched a full season in 2016, made his first spring start for Minnesota.
Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-out
Read full article: Now in Chisox 'pen, Kopech makes debut after 2020 opt-outTWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)Minnesota ace Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings, striking out four in his second start. Baltimore's Dean Kremer fared better in his second start, allowing a hit and a walk in three scoreless innings. Deivi García pitched three shutout innings in his second start for the Yankees. Nick Pivetta made his second start for Boston, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings. Alex Wood worked two innings in the start for San Francisco and gave up a home run to Omar Narvaez.
Seeing is believing: Bauer shuts eye, pitches shutout ball
Read full article: Seeing is believing: Bauer shuts eye, pitches shutout ballBauer wound up pitching three scoreless innings with the creative approach, striking out three while allowing two hits and a walk. Known for speaking his mind and going his own way, Bauer said he regularly shuts one eye during bullpen sessions and other workouts. METS 6, ASTROS 1 (6)Jacob deGrom pitched two scoreless innings in his spring debut, striking out three and allowing one hit. AdBLUE JAYS 7, PHILLIES 1 (7)Newcomer Tanner Roark made his first start for Toronto, allowing one hit in two scoreless innings. Jorge López threw three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Dodgers 1 win from title after 32 years and more than $3.6B
Read full article: Dodgers 1 win from title after 32 years and more than $3.6BFILE - In this Oct. 20, 1988, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser holds his World Series Most Valuable Player trophy following the Dodgers' decisive 5-2 win over the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Ca. Since Hershiser struck out Oaklands Tony Phillips for the final out of the 1988 World Series, the Dodgers have played 5,014 regular-season games and 113 more in the postseason in pursuit of their next title. The rookie right-hander hopes to keep the World Series from reaching a Game 7 for the fourth time in five years. The Rays and Cash have impressed Roberts with their relentlessness, evidenced by their ninth-inning rally to win Game 4. Hershiser, the 1988 World Series MVP, says each time the postseason is lengthened it adds another level of uncertainty to the competition.
Dodgers hope Gonsolin more than an opener in Game 6
Read full article: Dodgers hope Gonsolin more than an opener in Game 6Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin leaves the game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game 2 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Tony Gonsolin found out after Game 2 that he would be starting Game 6 as well for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This time, they plan for the rookie right-hander to be more than an opener with the Dodgers having a chance to clinch their first World Series title since 1988. Gonsolin went 1 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay in Game 2, a planned bullpen game for the Dodgers. RAY OF HOPEEleven of the last 14 teams that trailed going into Game 6, and then forced a Game 7, went on to win the World Series.
Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series lead
Read full article: Kershaw stops steal of home, hands Dodgers 3-2 Series lead“I think a lot of credit goes to what he’s been able to do in this World Series for us.”Kershaw even prevented the Rays from stealing the tying run. Kershaw’s formidable resume has lacked two of the most satisfying achievements: a win deep in the World Series and a championship ring. “Kersh, a lot of credit goes to him for what we’ve been able to do in this World Series,” Treinen said. Provided a 3-0 lead, Kershaw allowed Tampa Bay to pull within a run in the third when Kiermaier singled, Yandy Díaz tripled on a ball down the right-field line that skipped past Betts and Arozarena singled. He sets records with nine postseason homers allowed and three wild pitches in a Series game, tying a mark with two wild pitches in an inning.
In Joctober, Pederson does it all for Dodgers
Read full article: In Joctober, Pederson does it all for Dodgers(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)Joc Pederson is the guy the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t need or want — until October. After nearly being traded in February and hitting .190 in the regular season, Pederson is coming up big in the postseason. The left-handed slugger also homered in the Dodgers' losing efforts in the 2017 and 2018 World Series. He started in left in Games 1, 3 and 5 of the World Series. He's hitting .400 in the World Series, second on the team to red-hot Corey Seager, who's batting .471.
Bellinger back in CF for LA with roof closed for Game 5
Read full article: Bellinger back in CF for LA with roof closed for Game 5Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The roof will be closed Sunday night because of dreary conditions and an increasing chance of rain into the night. Bellinger, a National League Gold Glove finalist, was listed in center field for Game 5 after he was a late switch to designated hitter a night earlier because of back stiffness. Against Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow in Game 5, Pederson was in left and Taylor at second base. The rest was changed from Game 4, with left field Hunter Renfroe batting fifth, ahead of Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino.
The Latest: Rays beat LA 8-7, tie Series at two games each
Read full article: The Latest: Rays beat LA 8-7, tie Series at two games each(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Latest on Game 4 of the World Series (all times local):11:20 p.m. Pinch-hitter Joc Pederson delivered a two-run single with two outs in the top of the seventh that put Los Angeles ahead 6-5. At least one run has scored in seven straight half innings, a first in World Series history. Randy Arozarena and Hunter Renfroe also connected for Tampa Bay, which is trying to tie the Series at two games apiece. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches in the World Series opener, his only action since pitching five innings against Houston in the AL Championship Series on Oct. 13.
Morton merely mortal for Rays, question becomes what's next
Read full article: Morton merely mortal for Rays, question becomes what's next(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Charlie Morton made the slow stroll to the dugout after one of the worst starts of his stellar, and somewhat improbable, four-year postseason run. “I gave up hits on my curveball, I gave up hits on my sinker, I gave up hits on my four-seamer,” Morton said. Mostly unknown or not, at least some Dodgers fans at the neutral-site World Series in Texas sure remembered him. One in the upper deck at the home of the Texas Rangers chanted “cheat-er” the entire time Morton pitched. Morton was long gone before the final out of possibly his final game.
Buehler leads Dodgers over Rays 6-2 for 2-1 Series lead
Read full article: Buehler leads Dodgers over Rays 6-2 for 2-1 Series lead(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Walker Buehler pitched in the World Series like the Los Angeles Dodgers' aces of old. Buehler struck out 10 over six innings in a pulsating performance, and Los Angeles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Friday night for a 2-1 World Series lead. He became just the second player to drive in runs with both a homer and a sacrifice bunt in the same Series game. Steely-eyed like Hershiser, who won MVP honors of the 1988 Series, Buehler has supplanted Kershaw as the Dodgers’ ace. He has allowed one run in 13 Series innings that include seven scoreless in Game 3 against Boston two years ago.
The Latest: Ballpark roof closed for World Series Game 3
Read full article: The Latest: Ballpark roof closed for World Series Game 3(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Latest on Game 3 of the World Series (all times local):6:25 p.m. The roof is closed for Game 3 of the World Series after it cooled down significantly in Texas. An average of 10.42 runs have been scored in the postseason games in Arlington, including 21 total runs in the first two World Series games. The roof was closed for 24 of the 30 regular-season home games the Texas Rangers played in their new ballpark this year. An average of 8.21 runs per game were scored with the roof closed, down from 11.83 runs a game when open.
Glasnow wilts, can't stay with Kershaw as Rays drop Game 1
Read full article: Glasnow wilts, can't stay with Kershaw as Rays drop Game 1Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow leaves the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning in Game 1 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash might have waited a smidge too long to go to his bullpen in Game 1 of the World Series. “I felt a little weird in the beginning, made the adjustment I think in that third inning and started to feel pretty good,” Glasnow said. When he finally pulled Glasnow, Cash was boxed in because he needed lefty reliever Ryan Yarbrough to face the left-handed Bellinger, who popped out. “We didn’t do ourselves any favors with the walks,” Cash said.
The Latest: Kershaw, Dodgers take Game 1 over Rays
Read full article: The Latest: Kershaw, Dodgers take Game 1 over RaysBehind the pitching of Clayton Kershaw and the speed and power of Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 after seven innings. ___8:45 p.m.Cody Bellinger’s two-run homer has given Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after four innings. The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow each pitched scoreless first innings in the World Series opener. It is a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series. ___4:37 p.m.Pentatonix will sing the national anthem before Game 1 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rays, Dodgers set lineups for Game 1 of the World Series
Read full article: Rays, Dodgers set lineups for Game 1 of the World SeriesLos Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger celebrates his home run with Enrique Hernandez against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game 7 of a baseball National League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Cody Bellinger was in his normal spot in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The rest of the Rays lineup had second baseman Brandon Lowe batting second, ahead of Randy Arozarena, who has seven homers this postseason. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe was batting fourth, followed by left fielder Manuel Margot, third baseman Joey Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino. Kiermaier was still dealing with a sore left wrist after getting hit by a 99 mph fastball in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series against Houston.
NLCS Game 7 1st rookie starters matchup in a winner-take-all
Read full article: NLCS Game 7 1st rookie starters matchup in a winner-take-allLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May throws against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in Game 5 of a baseball National League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)ARLINGTON, Texas – Game 7 of the National League Championship became MLB's first winner-take-all postseason game matching rookie starters when the Los Angeles Dodgers chose Dustin May to start against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday night. Manager Dave Roberts didn't reveal his pitching plan until Sunday, with May starting for the second time in the series. The 23 year-old right-hander from nearby Justin, Texas, threw 55 pitches over two innings in Game 5 on Friday night. Roberts said he expected Game 2 starter Tony Gonsolin and Game 3 starter Julio Urias to appear in the game at some point.
11-spot: Dodgers huge 1st in 15-3 win over Braves in NLCS
Read full article: 11-spot: Dodgers huge 1st in 15-3 win over Braves in NLCSThe Dodgers set franchise postseason records for runs and home runs with five, cutting their NLCS deficit to 2 games to 1. Winner Julio Urías, made his first postseason start and improved to 3-0 in these playoffs, striking out five while allowing one run and three hits over five innings. LOT OF BIG NUMBERSThe 15 runs matched the most in an NLCS game — the Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 in Game 7 of the 1996 NLCS. ... Only the Chicago Cubs, with six in Game 3 of the 2015 NLDS, hit more homers in any postseason game. The Dodgers’ eight extra-base hits matched the franchise record for a postseason game, and their 18 total bases in the first were an MLB record for an inning.
Dodgers score record 11 runs in 1st inning vs Braves in NLCS
Read full article: Dodgers score record 11 runs in 1st inning vs Braves in NLCSThe 11 runs came against the Atlanta Braves, who were also on the wrong side of matching the previous mark. They allowed 10 runs in the first inning in the deciding Game 5 of the NL Division Series against St. Louis last season. The slam by Muncy off reliever Grant Dayton was the third homer in the inning, matching another LCS record. Betts walked before Seager had an RBI single, Justin Turner was hit by a pitch and Muncy went deep. The Dodgers led 11-0 entering the second inning after center fielder Cody Bellinger robbed the Braves' Ozzie Albies with a leaping catch at the wall that stranded two runners in the bottom of the first.
MLB-best Dodgers to 14th NLCS after 12-3 win to sweep Padres
Read full article: MLB-best Dodgers to 14th NLCS after 12-3 win to sweep PadresLos Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner (10) and his teammates celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres 12-3 in Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series. Smith delivered an RBI single in the fourth and a two-run double in the ninth off the 11th Padres pitcher — a postseason record. The Dodgers open the best-of-seven NLCS on Monday in the Texas Rangers' new $1.2 billion stadium with a retractable roof. In 59 postseason games, the Southern California native has hit .294 (64 for 218) with nine homers. Dodgers: Their fourth postseason series against Atlanta, which swept Miami in the other NLDS played about four hours away in Houston.
Padres get back Mike Clevinger, Dodgers add pitcher for NLDS
Read full article: Padres get back Mike Clevinger, Dodgers add pitcher for NLDSLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Dylan Floro works against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Denver. While Clevinger was among the 15 pitchers on the Padres roster released Tuesday, fellow starter Dinelson Lamet was again left off because of injury. The Dodgers added a pitcher to their roster for the NLDS, where they will have 14 pitchers and 14 position players after carrying only 13 pitchers for the first round series against Milwaukee. Right-handed reliever Dylan Floro (3-0, 2.59 ERA) was the pitcher added for the longer NLDS. The Padres last week became the first team to use eight or more pitchers in three consecutive playoff games.
Dodgers clinch NL's top seed, West title with win over A's
Read full article: Dodgers clinch NL's top seed, West title with win over A'sThe Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a photo after the Dodgers clinched the NL West title with a 7-2 win over the Oakland Athletics in a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers clinched the NL's top postseason seed and eighth straight division title Tuesday night with a 7-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics. “To fast forward a couple months and be crowned NL West champs is a credit to everyone. Los Angeles came into the day with a magic number of two and got help with the Angels’ 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. ATHLETICS ADVANCEThe A’s have a team text thread they used to celebrate clinching their first AL West title since 2013 during their off day Monday, when the Mariners beat Houston.
Seager brothers go deep, Dodgers rally past Mariners 11-9
Read full article: Seager brothers go deep, Dodgers rally past Mariners 11-9It was the 10th time in major league history that opposing brothers both went deep in a game. The teams combined for seven long balls, marking the second straight game there have been seven or more at Chavez Ravine. He had a three-run drive to right field during the second inning that gave Los Angeles a short-lived 6-2 advantage. Los Angeles' Ross Stripling struggled for the second straight outing, allowing three homers and seven runs (six earned) in three innings. Los Angeles RHP Tony Gonsolin (0-0) has not allowed a run over 8 2/3 innings in two previous starts this season.
Pederson homers twice to lead Dodgers over Padres, 7-6
Read full article: Pederson homers twice to lead Dodgers over Padres, 7-6Los Angeles Dodgers' Joc Pederson, right, reacts with third base coach Dino Abel after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, in San Diego. Pederson drove in five runs on the two homers for the seven-time defending division champion Dodgers, who won seven of nine on a three-city trip. San Diego chased Stripling on Greg Garcias two-run double in the sixth. UP NEXTDodgers: After an off day, the Dodgers open a three-game home series against San Francisco on Friday night. Padres: After an off day, the Padres continue their homestand with a three-game series against Arizona beginning Friday night.
Hernandez 5 RBIs, Dodgers beat Giants 8-1 in fan-less opener
Read full article: Hernandez 5 RBIs, Dodgers beat Giants 8-1 in fan-less opener(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES Kik Hernndez homered and drove in five runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the rival San Francisco Giants 8-1 in a fan-less ballpark as baseballs shortened season opened on Thursday night. Betts struck out swinging in his first at-bat a day after signing a $365 million deal over 12 years. Justin Turner grounded into a fielder's choice and Betts beat a throw to the plate to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the seventh. Betts struck out with the bases loaded to end a five-run inning that made it 6-1. PREGAME CEREMONYThe Giants and Dodgers held a black ribbon that wound along the baselines in a show of unity after pregame introductions.
Sports & Science: Weather's impact on the flight of a baseball
Read full article: Sports & Science: Weather's impact on the flight of a baseballWhen you have that kind of firepower at the plate, it almost doesn't matter what the weather is right? On the other end, if it's cold - the air is more dense and the ball is less likely to carry. Because it's so high in elevation, the air pressure is lower. Lower air pressure means that the air is less dense. To compensate for the weather's impact on the baseball, the left and right field fences in Coors Field are built 20 feet farther away from home plate than your average MLB park.
Mets' Alonso outlasts fellow rookie Vlad Jr to win HR Derby
Read full article: Mets' Alonso outlasts fellow rookie Vlad Jr to win HR DerbyCLEVELAND - CLEVELAND (AP) - Mets rookie Pete Alonso has a million-dollar swing. Needing 23 homers to beat Guerrero, Alonso connected for a homer to left-center before flipping his bat high into the air and hugging his pitcher, cousin Derek Morgan. Alonso is the second rookie to win outright, following Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2017. He's also the first Mets player to win the derby since Darryl Strawberry shared the title with Wally Joyner in 1986. Guerrero hit two, screaming at his second shot, which barely cleared the 19-foot high wall in left.