Dodgers win 9th in a row with 6-2 victory over Brewers in matchup of NL division leaders
Rookie Bobby Miller tossed six innings of one-run ball and the Los Angeles Dodgers won their ninth straight game, beating the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 in a matchup of NL division leaders.
Yarbrough returns from facial fractures, pitches Royals past Guardians 4-1 to snap 6-game skid
Ryan Yarbrough won his return to the mound for Kansas City after being hit in the face by a line drive two months ago and the Royals beat Shane Bieber for the first time, snapping a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians.
Royals pitcher Yarbrough starting for KC for 1st time since being struck by line drive in face
Kansas City Royals pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is returning to the mound to start against Cleveland in his first major league game since the left-hander was hit in the face by a line drive two months ago.
Royals place Yarbrough on injured list with 'head fractures'
Kansas City Royals left-hander Ryan Yarbrough was placed on the 15-day injured list with what was classified as โhead fracturesโ after taking a 106-mph line drive off the right side of his face Sunday.
Wander Franco drives in 3 as Rays beat Blue Jays 10-5
Wander Franco had three RBIs, Jonathan Aranda homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5 in the opener of a big four-game series between playoff contenders.
Rasmussen loses perfect game in 9th, Rays beat Orioles 4-1
Drew Rasmussen took a perfect game into the ninth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays expanded their lead over Baltimore for the final AL wild card to 1 1/2 games with a 4-1 victory over the Orioles.
Yankees, Rays use social media to spread gun violence facts
The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays are using their social media accounts during Thursday nightโs game between the two teams to spread information about how gun violence affects American life.
![LEADING OFF: Braves & Astros can clinch, MadBum in SanFran](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Ucpo8_n4xbIhaj7nZruvFBHzzhI=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DCZCEKRNJNHYDNS5OJFJFI57LQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Braves & Astros can clinch, MadBum in SanFran
Atlanta can clinch its fourth consecutive NL East title Thursday night with a win at home over Philadelphia, which would complete a three-game sweep of their high-stakes series.
![Rays clinch top seed in AL playoffs, stall Astros in West](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/PiGOnpO91HuxJIImI0vm6JYXg1U=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FXZCK5IOYBH6NJFX6WO5WB7RZI.jpg)
Rays clinch top seed in AL playoffs, stall Astros in West
Drew Rasmussen and three relievers combined for a three-hitter, Brandon Lowe and Ji-Man Choi both homered and the Tampa Bay Rays coasted past the Houston Astros 7-0, giving them the No. 1 seed in the American League playoffs.
![Meadows, Rays rally from 6 runs down, beat Bosox 11-10 in 10](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/97Vtlu5BSQw0yqPQzVrygyIjnzU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HWAE3H7ZIBF55EM43E2CTZTYDA.jpg)
Meadows, Rays rally from 6 runs down, beat Bosox 11-10 in 10
Austin Meadows hit a tying, inside-the-park homer in the ninth inning, Nelson Cruz had a go-ahead single in the 10th and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied from a six-run deficit to beat the Boston Red Sox 11-10.
![Rays win 9th in row; Red Sox star Bogaerts tests positive](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/tdFS-hYmU9i6cJxd0hN6Jbm_Pfw=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YVOKCLEZNRAX3K3Y4ZVGJ2FGMM.jpg)
Rays win 9th in row; Red Sox star Bogaerts tests positive
Randy Arozarena, rookie Wander Franco and the Tampa Bay Rays won their ninth straight game, breaking away from Boston soon after Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts was pulled because of a positive COVID-19 test.
![Franco, AL East-leading Rays win 8th in row, top Red Sox 6-1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/IbkkBeK89GXQX-3BQZbqQgm5ylc=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/X2RMWMVCFRFV5NPRFX2AATZXBM.jpg)
Franco, AL East-leading Rays win 8th in row, top Red Sox 6-1
Wander Franco extended his on-base streak 30 games with a two-run single, fellow rookie Luis Patiรฑo pitched neatly into the sixth inning and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays won their eighth in a row, beating the Boston Red Sox 6-1.
![Rays rally past Red Sox 8-4, extend lead in AL East](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/rftvTKI7AQOkhhObPScaHVnIGqE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2HSBIPLPENE5XD4JB4CUCLLJRE.jpg)
Rays rally past Red Sox 8-4, extend lead in AL East
Tampa Bayโs Francisco Mejรญa singled with the bases loaded in the ninth, Bostonโs Hunter Renfroe made a costly error on the play, and it helped the Rays rally past the Red Sox 8-4 on Tuesday night.
![LEADING OFF: Betts has ailing hip, Mattingly nears return](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/RolUbanREST89IQJ_JSAfTGEKX8=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HSKDBR45VBAF7MBAERIAOONBVU.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Betts has ailing hip, Mattingly nears return
Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts might be returning to the injured list after he was scratched from the lineup Tuesday night in Philadelphia with a sore right hip.
![LEADING OFF: All-Star pitchers, Schwarber sidelined](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/pFxdtNIWavcVNIT-QqiZT3hiJvM=/800x533/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/4QGK7ASXLZATXGHMMOS7OCSIOQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: All-Star pitchers, Schwarber sidelined
Mets ace Jacob deGrom, Milwaukeeโs Brandon Woodruff, Texasโ Kyle Gibson and the Yankeesโ Gerrit Cole are among those likely to picked as All-Stars when pitchers and reserves are announced Sunday.
![Franco HR, double in debut, but Rays lose to Red Sox in 11th](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xb4fCbL382VKB7f6xpEng0PZRBI=/800x533/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/OIPEGJB2JRECDBHT6PYRJAGLD4.jpg)
Franco HR, double in debut, but Rays lose to Red Sox in 11th
Wander Franco hit a three-run homer and doubled in his big league debut for the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost their seventh straight in falling to the Boston Red Sox 9-5 in 11 innings.
![Yarbrough gets Rays 1st complete game in 5 years, tops Yanks](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/FX2lIzxksMs8hj1t86T_o-FzC_g=/800x533/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/NVNTZ6FYUVGOBLS5F7YHNWBP6I.jpg)
Yarbrough gets Rays 1st complete game in 5 years, tops Yanks
Ryan Yarbrough ended a 24-start winless skid with Tampa Bayโs first complete game in more than five years, Austin Meadows homered off shaky Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and drove in five and the Rays beat New York 9-2.
![Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_wIDV88nHe6bO88dnbX_bQluK5g=/800x533/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/JT6HFDNPR5ESRCBNMEALEP6D3E.jpg)
Rays win 11th in a row, score 7 in 11th to beat Toronto 14-8
Francisco Mejรญa hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8.
![LEADING OFF: Means back after no-no, Voit returns to Yanks](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/wtVMhhnUPiWijkSJ5NIDQnLmoek=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TKNIBUBHFRCYRBPTLCDDAKTHHY.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Means back after no-no, Voit returns to Yanks
Orioles ace John Means got five days of rest following his no-hitter last week against Seattle, and now heโll try to match Johnny Vander Meerโs record with a second straight no-no against the streaking Mets.
![Rays finish Bronx sweep, last-place Yanks lose 5th straight](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xR0UVaBUTl10Cyukolc67ygirg0=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DIF6EY3KEFDITCA3QGHBWSJQGE.jpg)
Rays finish Bronx sweep, last-place Yanks lose 5th straight
The last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win and a three-game sweep.
![Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/eb8Lfc0UTDt0VIa3NIolrR21Ds4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BNLPGYIO5NBH7I7YC7RD32MH3Y.jpg)
Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2
He 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 โ 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.
![Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/v2YqSYNfxAdcPPxuycIHsPQqCSk=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BBRBWHZO35B6TGL5OS7XV6K44U.jpg)
Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day
Scherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.
![Happ beats Cubs in arbitration; teams finish with 5-4 record](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/w4atjWTvYAhGpH8_JpjH4zCJUBk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UXOYQKG6CNBBTEU6BXS66QGCXM.jpg)
Happ beats Cubs in arbitration; teams finish with 5-4 record
Happ asked for a raise from $624,000 to $4.1 million during a Zoom session Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, and the Cubs argued he should be paid $3.25 million. Teams finished with a 5-4 advantage in cases that went to a hearing, their second straight winning record after two consecutive years in which players had an advantage. A day after hearing arguments, arbitrators Frederic Horowitz, Steven Wolf and Jules Bloch decided in favor of Happ's figure rather than the team's $3.25 million. St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million), Braves pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) and Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million) also won their cases. Teams beat Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson ($6 million), San Francisco infielder Donovan Solano ($3.25 million), Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough ($2.3 million), New York Mets third baseman/outfielder J.D.
![Braves beat shortstop Dansby Swanson in salary arbitration](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/jR8WB_BCHjWj4hGPmggFSWBT-c4=/1600x1168/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ADZ54PUPNJGQVB4W6EUR3CRB5Q.jpg)
Braves beat shortstop Dansby Swanson in salary arbitration
Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, center, is unable to make the throw as Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, left, breaks up the double play as Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) is shown during the fourth inning in Game 6 Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, for the best-of-seven National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)The Atlanta Braves beat Dansby Swanson in salary arbitration, and the shortstop will earn $6 million rather than his request for $6.7 million. The 27-year-old Swanson hit .274 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs last season in an NL-high 237 at-bats. Atlanta pitcher Mike Soroka ($2.8 million) won, as did St. Louis pitcher Jack Flaherty ($3.9 million) and Tampa Bay first baseman Ji-Man Choi ($2.45 million). Davis ($2.1 million) and Baltimore outfielder Anthony Santander ($2.1 million) lost.
![Mets' Davis, O's Santander lose arbitration, Rays' Choi wins](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/CHXhqLvbL-9hlFM5Pq5CqQGc6XY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/H7FQ6GYP7VFTFEPJXORSQATNNU.jpg)
Mets' Davis, O's Santander lose arbitration, Rays' Choi wins
FILE - In this Aug. 29, 2020, file photo, New York Mets third baseman J.D. Davis and the Mets argued the first of 13 scheduled salary arbitration cases this month. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)NEW YORK โ The New York Mets defeated third baseman and outfielder J.D. Davis, the Baltimore Orioles beat outfielder Anthony Santander and first baseman Ji-Man Choi defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the first three of 13 scheduled salary arbitration cases this month. Santander gets a raise from $572,500 to $2.1 million rather than his $2,475,000 request, the same figures exchanged by Davis and the Mets.
![Lindor, Bryant, Bellinger, Seager get big-money deals](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/5HzFjgDpNzn09YFZ_OxO8NdoHJ0=/1600x912/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WGEQFDP3ARE4HAOEBNKNO3OPQM.jpg)
Lindor, Bryant, Bellinger, Seager get big-money deals
Lindor, the star shortstop acquired last week by the New York Mets from Cleveland, got the largest of the deals at $22.3 million. Bellinger and Seager got big raises after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win their first World Series title since 1988. He asked for a raise from $8 million to $12.5 million, and the Astros offered $9.75 million. Ace pitcher Walker Buehler asked for $4.15 million and was offered $3.3 million, and catcher Austin Barnes asked for $2 million and was offered $1.5 million. Also exchanging were New York Mets third baseman-outfielder J.D.
![The Latest: Rays beat LA 8-7, tie Series at two games each](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0JiPJJeImbh_ZjaejKXqrTJ4r3Q=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RC767ZZ5AFA6HLWR2RIJ2HV3BY.jpg)
The Latest: Rays beat LA 8-7, tie Series at two games each
(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas โ 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.
![Rays stack lineup with righties against Urรญas in Game 4](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/KVi4q4QlOC6xwpdzeaFv97Q3s7M=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3OX6GMMZJRHNXEKA4XPRPEXZ4Q.jpg)
Rays stack lineup with righties against Urรญas in Game 4
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dodgers beat the Rays 6-2 to lead the series 2-1 games. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ The Tampa Bay Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order and seven in all against Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urรญas in World Series Game 4 on Saturday night. The Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order. 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.
![Buehler leads Dodgers over Rays 6-2 for 2-1 Series lead](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/lnGSPH_1TmqfT_-NWe-n1eCkaBg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SGZT4ZMMXVD7PBVATI44FTQR4U.jpg)
Buehler leads Dodgers over Rays 6-2 for 2-1 Series lead
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ 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 Dodgersโ ace. He has allowed one run in 13 Series innings that include seven scoreless in Game 3 against Boston two years ago.
![World Series Notebook: Urรญas, 4-0 in postseason, set for G4](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/1LyKgw_kr2WkR81intinx1udXXs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PLWGQZCLEZDDHAVET4A27JJESY.jpg)
World Series Notebook: Urรญas, 4-0 in postseason, set for G4
The left-hander finished that series with three perfect innings, the last two protecting a 4-3 lead in Game 7 and sending LA to the World Series against Tampa Bay. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches out of the bullpen in Game 1 of the World Series. โIโm going to throw until they take the ball out of my hands,โ Yarbrough said. Thatโs how you win a World Series,โ said Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, who was part of the Red Sox when they beat Los Angeles in the World Series two years ago. Turner's 75th career postseason hit was a double that set up Max Muncy's two-run single in the third.
![Kershaw, LA stars shine, Dodgers top Rays 8-3 in WS opener](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/4z889YS29AGbCtHTMohraHGhWng=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QCUIHT2P35H2PI52PRDFBCWKUU.jpg)
Kershaw, LA stars shine, Dodgers top Rays 8-3 in WS opener
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw warms up before Game 1 of the baseball World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas โ Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts โ the Los Angeles Dodgers stars all shined. โConstantly keep putting that in your brain: tomorrow, win tomorrow, win tomorrow, win tomorrow. Eight of the last 10 teams to win Game 1 went on the title, all except the 2016 Indians and 2017 Dodgers. โBetts became the first to hit a home run, steal two bases and score twice in a Series game.
![Glasnow wilts, can't stay with Kershaw as Rays drop Game 1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/DHrkfWWc0TXwgwoIjSNJD2VjP5A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GIN4KPQYTBAJLDSP2TMOJABTCA.jpg)
Glasnow wilts, can't stay with Kershaw as Rays drop Game 1
Tampa 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. โI felt a little weird in the beginning, made the adjustment I think in that third inning and started to feel pretty good,โ 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. โWe didnโt do ourselves any favors with the walks,โ Cash said.
![Rays beat Astros 5-2, move within 1 victory of World Series](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ImrBP3Mm0D64WCYr7SGvC5d1W7Q=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/C6BPUA3JJBEP7K6C7NMTZDCFJU.jpg)
Rays beat Astros 5-2, move within 1 victory of World Series
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)SAN DIEGO โ Kevin Kiermaier and the Tampa Bay Rays โ with big assists from two former Padres who know Petco Park's outfield well โ are one win from the second World Series berth in franchise history. โWeโve played just tremendous defense all season long,โ Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Kiermaier, the longest-tenured Tampa Bay player, said it was โan amazing feelingโ to be so close to going to the Fall Classic. Wendle lined a single off third baseman Alex Bregman's glove to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead. Paredes hit Kiermaier on the hand to load the bases and then grazed Willy Adames on the pinkie with a pitch to bring in another run.
![LEADING OFF: Altuve, shaky Astros in 2-0 hole vs Rays](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/iG59G76AROyaWe3aRnW1N74zZS0=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TCOXJJIX4JCV5PZYU75CSK6IVA.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Altuve, shaky Astros in 2-0 hole vs Rays
Iโm sure heโll do that.โThe Astros have also had a lousy go with runners on base. THE KID AND THE ACEOff to an impressive start in his first postseason, rookie Ian Anderson tries to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series when he faces Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw. CHANGE OF SOXAfter ending a 12-year playoff drought, the Chicago White Sox are looking for a new manager. The club announced Monday that Renteria wonโt return after guiding the White Sox to a 35-25 record in his pandemic-shortened fourth season. Hahn said Renteriaโs replacement probably will come from outside the White Sox.
![Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over Astros](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/FYW4cVEbRU9Caave160ExVALHyk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VSL5T63BGFAI7DEIKE7GKDEQJU.jpg)
Margot's homer, catch highlight Rays' 4-2 win over Astros
Asked which was bigger in the 4-2 victory against the Houston Astros, Margot said through a translator: โDefinitely the home run. He played one game in right field in 2016 and the rest of his time in San Diego was spent in center. โTo have the ability to know where youโre at, and kind of be able to say, โForget it, I know Iโm going to hit something but Iโm going in,โ and still hang on to the ball, was really, really impressive,โ manager Kevin Cash said. It was an unbelievable play that he made on the right field line, putting himself in a dangerous place. โEverybody is really, really supportive of him and just so happy for what he's accomplished.โMorton improved to 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in the last two postseasons.
![Rays burned by opener in Game 4; tab Glasnow for Game 5](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/R6udBx5CON-8jBU2qnC75U-a41E=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YCCTEOQFARHVHJXGZNGN3WCB7Q.jpg)
Rays burned by opener in Game 4; tab Glasnow for Game 5
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)SAN DIEGO โ Manager Kevin Cash and the Tampa Bay Rays introduced the concept of an opener to modern baseball two years ago. But just as New York almost certainly regretted using an opener in Game 2 when Deivi Garcรญa and J.A. Glasnow threw 93 pitches in Game 2, getting the victory after tossing four-run ball over five innings. The Rays used an opener seven times in this year's 60-game regular season, going 6-1 when employing the scheme. โ(Glasnow) has obviously got his heater, but heโs got one of the best curveballs in the game, too.
![Voit, Torres homer as Yankees beat Rays 5-1 to force Game 5](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/H0cX5B3s8fJxv0CpWB_e-wkeIVU=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/5CAKZTFWZREWHMTDRHWKYFOL2M.jpg)
Voit, Torres homer as Yankees beat Rays 5-1 to force Game 5
New York Yankees' Luke Voit, right, celebrates with Gleyber Torres (25) after Voit hit a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in San Diego. Asked the Yankees mentality for Game 5, Voit said, โWe're going to win it." It's a rematch of last yearโs ALDS Game 5 between Houston and Tampa Bay. โWe've seen him," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Tampa Bay loaded the bases in the third but got just one run, on Brandon Loweโs fielderโs choice.
![Brosseau gets payback as Rays beat Yankees again, 5-2](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/JhDaSZ1BL6WN7n66JCvI6-HMNss=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/H2JJDGULWJH7PGAXDFGTAZCY74.jpg)
Brosseau gets payback as Rays beat Yankees again, 5-2
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK Mike Brosseau got some payback against the New York Yankees, hitting two home runs as the Tampa Bay Rays topped their AL East rivals again with a 5-2 victory Wednesday night. The Rays improved to 20-4 in their last 24 games and moved 4 1/2 games ahead of the Yankees. Tampa Bay also avoided consecutive losses for the first time since a five-game skid from July 29 to Aug. 2. Tampa Bay right-hander Charlie Morton returned after missing three weeks with right shoulder inflammation and pitched two-plus hitless innings while being limited to 38 pitches. Yankees: Visit the crosstown New York Mets in a makeup Thursday, the final Subway Series game of the season.
![LEADING OFF: Pads upgrade 'pen, Mets-Yanks play 2 again](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/g5aWvsItPv7RcM8afJ8rDCpI7_Y=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LZX64KYSHRBBDCZHGH27U5ZJCE.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Pads upgrade 'pen, Mets-Yanks play 2 again
The San Diego Padres acquired the reliever from Kansas City on Saturday for outfielder Edward Olivares and a player to be named. The 30-year-old Rosenthal has a 3.29 ERA and seven saves after struggling with injuries and poor performance in recent years. The Mets plan to start righty Rick Porcello (1-4, 6.43 ERA) and converted closer Seth Lugo (1-2, 2.03). That year, he became the only player to hit for the cycle in a postseason game. They made the move with infielder Starlin Castro expected to miss the rest of the season with a broken wrist.
![Biggio HR, Blue Jays begin 2020 odyssey by beating Rays 6-4](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/zHtyTG2C18f0pi2hrU37x6aJcYM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HGFWXSQB2RE6VOPLAUQIZXZHGQ.jpg)
Biggio HR, Blue Jays begin 2020 odyssey by beating Rays 6-4
The Blue Jays were blocked by the Canadian government from hosting this season because of coronavirus concerns, and hopes of shifting home games to other big league cities didn't work out. First of all, this whole year has been crazy, but its been especially crazy for our team, Biggio said. You get an opening day start usually because of what you did the year before," Morton said. Blue Jays starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, second in NL Cy Young voting when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, allowed three runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings. Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said it felt awesome after all the uncertainty the Blue Jays have endured recently.
![Giants return, so do some players, but Padres' INF Mateo out](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/W0vht2FgJeBEhxk4vFhdXc1o92A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UMTQ6NPDGFHKNE3KEHJ4J6ZKLQ.jpg)
Giants return, so do some players, but Padres' INF Mateo out
San Diego announced last week that outfielder Tommy Pham tested positive for coronavirus and was asymptomatic. The Giants, meanwhile, resumed workouts at Oracle Park after receiving test results from Saturday, all of which were negative for players and staff. The only Texas players still not cleared to participate are right fielder Joey Gallo and left-hander Brett Martin, both of whom tested positive for coronavirus. Also, Indians outfielder Delino DeShields Jr., who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, is traveling to Cleveland after he had one negative test. Theres nothing that we can do about it.The Cubs have thus far avoided any positive tests, a development outfielder Kyle Schwarber insists cannot be attributed to mere luck.
![Sale has strained elbow, pitching-needy Red Sox sign McHugh](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/yUtlH_MNKv4MlVphQHJTtKpe7O4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/KTWKXKGIQFHWPDV3M6ORJIIB4A.jpg)
Sale has strained elbow, pitching-needy Red Sox sign McHugh
After helping the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series, he went 6-11 with a 4.40 ERA in 25 starts last year. In the meantime, the Red Sox reached agreement with pitcher Collin McHugh on a $600,000, one-year contract. ASTROS 5, RED SOX 0Josh James allowed one hit in three innings, and Bryan Abreu fanned four in two innings. WHITE SOX 7 ROCKIES (SS) 6Nomar Mazara hit his first home run since joining the White Sox. DIAMONDBACKS 11, RANGERS (SS) 9Robbie Ray gave up a run on three hits while striking out three over four innings.