Josh Naylor, Ramon Laureano help Guardians outlast Braves 4-2 in 11 innings in meeting of top teams
Josh Naylor and Ramon Laureano had RBIs in the 11th inning and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Atlanta Braves 4-2 in a game featuring the teams with the two best records in the majors.
Alvarez has 3 HRs, Astros down A's to clinch playoff berth
Yordan Alvarez homered in his first three at-bats, Justin Verlander threw five hitless innings in his return from the injured list and the Houston Astros clinched a postseason berth with a 5-0 win over the Oakland Athletics.
![A's extend winning streak to 11, helped by 2 errors in 10th](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/v_S-0YMJwcwDLP1KWEb8koM6eRA=/800x522/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CM3XXUHOHRET7JRSOTILPELMHM.jpg)
A's extend winning streak to 11, helped by 2 errors in 10th
The Oakland Athletics extended their winning streak to 11, rallying from a two-run deficit to beat the Twins 13-12 when Luis Arraez threw away Ramรณn Laureanoโs grounder for Minnesotaโs second error of the 10th inning.
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Indians minus Ramรญrez, Reyes after they break virus protocol
New York starter Jordan Montgomery gave up two hits in three scoreless innings. Brubaker allowed two hits over two scoreless innings and Chase De Jong followed with two shutout innings. MARLINS 4, METS 4Miami starter Pablo Lopez gave up a hit and a walk over three scoreless innings. German Marquez scattered three hits and a walk over three scoreless innings for Colorado. Kansas City starter Jakob Junis pitched three innings and gave up one hit, a leadoff homer to Trent Grisham.
![Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus test](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_HK65Z73ZJFEflxMs50O6damD5s=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PEDLAG6AHRHB7A3KAII2HTASD4.jpg)
Twins newcomer Happ back on mound after positive virus test
The two-time AL Central champion Twins are hoping Happ can give them a veteran presence at the back of their rotation. Ian Anderson pitched two scoreless innings, allowing three hits and a walk. Houston piggy-backed a pair of starters with Framber Valdez yielding McNeil's homer in the first two innings, striking out two. AdBLUE JAYS 4, PHILLIES 2 (6)Steven Matz allowed a hit in two scoreless innings, striking out three without a walk. CUBS 3, ROYALS 2 (7)Outfielder Rafael Ortega, who signed a minor league deal with Chicago after playing 34 games for Atlanta last season, hit a bases-loaded triple.
![Pinderโs HR helps rally Aโs past Astros 9-7, trail ALDS 2-1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YZRlgOhtXdoknnpDg5qY3NR3Mg8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UTIOFAIKZJFKDOHNH5UBIUL6AA.jpg)
Pinderโs HR helps rally Aโs past Astros 9-7, trail ALDS 2-1
Oakland Athletics' Chad Pinder, right, celebrates with manager Bob Melvin after the Athletics defeated the Houston Astros in Game 3 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. And just in case Laureano's words did not get the message across, he ripped a double as the A's got a pair of sacrifice flies in the eighth to rally past the Houston Astros 9-7 on Wednesday and avoid elimination in their AL Division Series. โIt was awesome.โHouston leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and can advance to its fourth straight AL Championship Series with a victory in Game 4 on Thursday. Pinder hit a first-pitch slider to the opposite field for Oakland's fifth homer, a drive chased by right fielder Kyle Tucker until he ran out of room at the short wall. Houston took a 7-4 lead with five runs in the fifth, when the Astros sent 10 batters to the plate.
![Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS opener](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/icou9DOLZRC6bobGnhBBwVBD_xI=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VKLQ3JALSVDBXG7P3LVTOTGPSU.jpg)
Correa, Springer rally Astros past A's 10-5 in ALDS opener
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, celebrates with George Springer after they defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 1 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)LOS ANGELES โ A home run derby broke out during a hot, dry day at Dodger Stadium, and suddenly the Houston Astros have their swing and swagger back. โWhen you get the leadoff guy (Springer) getting on base every single time, good things are going to happen. Altuve's line-drive single to left scored Maldonado and Springer to put the Astros back in front, 6-5. Chris Bassitt put the potential tying and go-ahead runs on in the fifth with back-to-back singles by Springer and Altuve.
![Peralta's 9th-inning single lifts D-backs past Athletics 4-3](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Wkz2_FcUfWPtkP0oQ9xkKCIPo4A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ODKHOP4ZNVGWVNPU3ZKDLPJGF4.jpg)
Peralta's 9th-inning single lifts D-backs past Athletics 4-3
(AP Photo/Matt York)PHOENIX David Peralta slapped a bases-loaded single through the right side of the infield with one out in the ninth inning to push the Arizona Diamondbacks past the streaking Oakland Athletics 4-3 on Monday night. The As trailed 3-1 going into the eighth but came back to tie it after loading the bases with one out. Ahmed quickly made up for his mistake, smacking a leadoff double to left field to start the decisive ninth-inning rally. UP NEXTAthletics: Oakland wraps up the quick two-game series by sending RHP Frankie Montas (2-1, 1.57 ERA) to the mound. Diamondbacks: Arizona goes with RHP Luke Weaver (0-3, 11.85), who has pitched just 13 2/3 innings this season in four starts.
![Piscotty slam ties it in ninth, A's beat Giants 8-7 in 10th](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qH4QDzQy00V87Y__ryDXtGcCyyY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F6FUFZPO6JHAFJZXBCXNYTOGTY.jpg)
Piscotty slam ties it in ninth, A's beat Giants 8-7 in 10th
San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto works against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
![Piscotty slam ties it in ninth, A's beat Giants 8-7 in 10th](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/B_tiOx1GZrQJ4ah6tZANSwa1DlU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F6FUFZPO6JHAFJZXBCXNYTOGTY.jpg)
Piscotty slam ties it in ninth, A's beat Giants 8-7 in 10th
San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto works against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, in San Francisco. Oakland trailed by five in the ninth inning but rallied to win from such a late deficit for the first time since July 15, 1952, according to STATS. The Giants hadn't lost after leading by five or more runs in the ninth inning or latter since June 25, 1929. The ball carried on a rare hot evening in San Francisco, where first-pitch temperature reached 85 degrees. ROSTER MOVEThe Giants added RHP Jake Jewell to their player pool and assigned him to their Sacramento alternate site.
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Laureano says Astros coach insulted mother, sparking fracas
Laureano said Monday he regrets charging toward Houston's dugout to fight Cintrn after the two exchanged words during the seventh inning of a game Sunday in Oakland. Speaking before a game against the Los Angeles Angels, Laureano said Cintrn began jawing at him when Laureano reacted angrily after being hit by a pitch from Houston rookie Humberto Castellanos. I should have kept my cool because I wasted my time with that guy, Laureano said. They exchanged words in Spanish, and Cintrn emerged from the dugout and appeared to challenge Laureano to fight. Laureano threw off his helmet and sprinted toward Cintrn but was tackled by Astros catcher Dustin Garneau en route.
![LEADING OFF: Blue Jays debut in Buffalo; Clevinger out](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/YBMkNBbqDqC0-toV31nJ92cSHTE=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3VMSXX5MOVDJJI5AF4ZXM3ZPEE.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Blue Jays debut in Buffalo; Clevinger out
FILE - In this July 24, 2020, file photo, the entrance to Sahlen Field, home of the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, in Buffalo, N.Y., is viewed. The Blue Jays will walk onto the field Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, as the host team for the first time in 2020. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)A look at whats happening around the majors Tuesday:___NEW DIGSBaseball's nomads, the Toronto Blue Jays, finally move into their new home at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, when they play the Miami Marlins. It'll be the first time this year the Blue Jays are the host team. Pittsburgh offered to let the Blue Jays play at PNC Park when the Pirates were on the road, but Pennsylvania Gov.
![LEADING OFF: Blue Jays debut in Buffalo; Clevinger out](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/T7QpZn1ey9bsqP_zmCmMVUc9DCw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FG6RB2OAZNBTXCH2ANVG7XJZLE.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Blue Jays debut in Buffalo; Clevinger out
FILE - In this July 24, 2020, file photo, the entrance to Sahlen Field, home of the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, in Buffalo, N.Y., is viewed. The Blue Jays will walk onto the field Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, as the host team for the first time in 2020. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)A look at whats happening around the majors today:___NEW DIGSBaseball's nomads, the Toronto Blue Jays, finally move into their new home at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, when they play the Miami Marlins. It'll be the first time this year the Blue Jays are the host team. Pittsburgh offered to let the Blue Jays play at PNC Park when the Pirates were on the road, but Pennsylvania Gov.
![AP Source: Astros coach faces 20-game suspension, Laureano 6](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ODvSElt5AObaoefXrCao87fDA1A=/1600x1074/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HN5CMEE3QRBIXINQ2NCCQE7SII.jpg)
AP Source: Astros coach faces 20-game suspension, Laureano 6
In addition, Athletics outfielder Ramon Laureano will receive a six-game suspension and a fine, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Major League Baseball hadn't made a formal announcement and was still finalizing the details. Laureano was hit by a pitch from Humberto Castellanos with one out in the seventh inning of Oakland's 7-2 victory Sunday. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau tackled Laureano before the As outfielder got to the hitting coach. Laureano is a former Astros player and the rival clubs have been the top two in the AL West the past two years. A's pitcher Mike Fiers, another former Houston player, revealed the Astros' sign-stealing scandal in November to The Athletic.
![LEADING OFF: A's try for 10th win in row, wait for MLB word](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/zeEKwZsvOo8r4c-HGUQptLwsu2s=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HNKP3JSUMZBBVOLCVMWPN5ZN2Q.jpg)
LEADING OFF: A's try for 10th win in row, wait for MLB word
Laureano charged toward Houston bench coach lex Cintrn after being hit by a pitch Sunday at the Coliseum. The skirmish came months after Houstons sign-stealing scandal was brought to light by Oakland pitcher Mike Fiers. Less than two weeks ago, Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly was suspended by MLB for eight game after throwing two pitches near the heads of Houston hitter. NEW NESTVladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays might take a look around their new home for the rest of the season -- thatll be Sahlen Field in Buffalo. There have been 27 games postponed by Major League Baseball because of the coronavirus, 13 of them involving the Cardinals.
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Astros, Athletics clear benches as rivals' tempers flare
Oakland's Ramon Laureano was hit by a pitch from Humberto Castellanos with one out in the seventh. He began exchanging words with Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron, then left first base, threw down his batting helmet and began sprinting toward Cintron. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau tackled Laureano before the A's outfielder got to the hitting coach. AL West-leading Oakland led 6-2 at the time and was riding an eight-game winning streak. The three-time reigning division champion Astros were riding a four-game losing streak.
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Astros, A's clear benches, empty seats; Oak wins 9th in row
The Athletics' ninth straight win was far overshadowed by what erupted in the seventh inning at the Coliseum. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau tackled Laureano before the As outfielder reached Cintron, and a wild scene ensued. A's and Astros players who were sitting in the seats, observing COVID-19 social-distancing protocols, also rushed onto the field. The Astros have won the past three division crowns, a World Series in 2017 and AL pennant last year. TRAINERS ROOMAstros: CF George Springer resumed hitting work in the batting cage but was still listed as day to day by Baker.