Luis Castillo stars as Mariners beat Royals 3-2 to grab sole possession of AL West lead
Luis Castillo pitched seven shutout innings and the Seattle Mariners grabbed sole possession of first place in the AL West, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 to complete a three-game sweep.
Shohei Ohtani first AL pitcher in nearly 60 years to homer twice, strike out 10, Angels beat ChiSox
Shohei Ohtani became the first American League pitcher in nearly 60 years to hit two homers and strike out 10 batters in a game, leading the Los Angeles Angels past the Chicago White Sox 4-2 in his latest extraordinary performance.
Cards' Wainwright, Molina make record 325th start as battery
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina have made their 325th career start together, setting a major league record for most as a battery.
Kershaw to start All-Star Game for NL, McClanahan for AL
Los 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 Bayโs Shane McClanahan will be on the mound for the American League.
LEADING OFF: Opening day! Guardians debut, Ohtani and Braves
Cubs veteran Kyle Hendricks is set to deliver the first pitch of the season against Corbin Burnes and Milwaukee at Wrigley Field just past 2:20 p.m. EDT, the first of seven games still on the calendar amid rainy forecasts across the country.
Half-century holdout over, DH comes to National League
It was an impressive holdout for the National League, which made it nearly 50 years staving off a full-time designated hitter rule that the American League implemented before the 1973 season.
Possibility of universal DH could affect roster decisions
If the universal designated hitter returns to the National League for good next season as many people believe, donโt be looking for the role to be filled with prototypical aging superstars who no longer play a position.
![The Latest: Braves take 3-1 series lead with Game 4 win](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/N3KcPLUPvUciIOTM0q1-Zgpf6Os=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AS67AJXEIZHQTLZ5YKYMN7IFNA.jpg)
The Latest: Braves take 3-1 series lead with Game 4 win
Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series.
![Braves throw 2-hitter, blank Astros 2-0 for 2-1 Series lead](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/quGFW0Dh41bS8wyG9srlqvTiJmE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F3GCPGTPJRB2VCWG4M7XI346D4.jpg)
Braves throw 2-hitter, blank Astros 2-0 for 2-1 Series lead
Rookie starter Ian Anderson and the Braves' bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Austin Riley and Travis dโArnaud drove in runs and Atlanta beat the Houston Astros 2-0 to grab a two games to one lead in the World Series.
![LEADING OFF: Curious pitching strategy in playoffs all over](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/7D_8Y5ZNbD9UN8ExoaoFFwp2hiU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/OFCWQ3Q62RDKTBWOGC72YREBUE.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Curious pitching strategy in playoffs all over
In a postseason already marked by curious pitching strategy, Julio Urรญas returns to his regular role in the rotation when the Los Angeles Dodgers play Atlanta in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.
![Astros scramble after pitchers pounded for 25 runs by Boston](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/inghDl7fqDPPUq8hjlc2tCagbt8=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NCVPUFIORJD2VPTC56ZR4I6AVU.jpg)
Astros scramble after pitchers pounded for 25 runs by Boston
Houstonโs pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute.
![La Russa back in postseason with White Sox against Astros](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/BbAFBbijY3eLINf3bnZkQoJBF7M=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HMO6DIIZ7JDEFDSC4SRWL7YD4E.jpg)
La Russa back in postseason with White Sox against Astros
Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa is back in the playoffs with the Chicago White Sox as they prepare to open their best-of-five AL Division Series on Thursday against the Houston Astros.
![With MVPs out, new stars set to shine in MLB postseason](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/NXCq-10uMLkgzKEsZ6GK_wurbPU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KPFHFJ7QJBF2THAZXZIM5V2GAM.jpg)
With MVPs out, new stars set to shine in MLB postseason
With Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper and the rest of baseball's MVP front-runners left out of the postseason, there's a chance for some budding stars to cement their place among the game's top names.
![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.
![Garcia hits 30th HR, Texas beats Astros in Greinke's return](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xQOrXlWWUut-w_QNoQDJiqopWDQ=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HONO67OXF5EUNAZ243BBGMW3NY.jpg)
Garcia hits 30th HR, Texas beats Astros in Greinke's return
All-Star slugger Adolis Garcรญa tied the Rangers' single-season rookie record with his 30th home run and last-place Texas beat the AL West-leading Houston Astros 8-1.
![Ohtani hits 44th HR, but Astros tag him in win over Angels](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/e1LzIk2-HyML6ptkNbD0gNTVG_A=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NLPWPTXL6NG3VMIDDQ44ITBD4M.jpg)
Ohtani hits 44th HR, but Astros tag him in win over Angels
Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 44th home run, but got tagged early by Josรฉ Altuve, Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros in a 10-5 over the Los Angeles Angels.
![Mariners score 4 in 11th to earn 6-3 win over Astros](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xo69NhzBjcNcip__EFdhQV0faR8=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RDKXF7OINBF2JGVTGLJMPKAYEE.jpg)
Mariners score 4 in 11th to earn 6-3 win over Astros
Ty France tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth inning and put the Seattle Mariners on top with an RBI single in the 11th before Kyle Seager belted a three-run homer in a 6-3 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
![Altuve hits grand slam on 2-homer night, Astros beat Giants](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ncNS3OJwjJeSDfA7DWG4joLpn2I=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZVZCWTTB3FC2DH5WIZ3S77GZVQ.jpg)
Altuve hits grand slam on 2-homer night, Astros beat Giants
Josรฉ Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 in a matchup of baseballโs top two teams.
![Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/zRQ74BHP5YCJbzhjMPwdSUQkTo0=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7IINTHKUJREKBDYPVZI352TTAI.jpg)
Astros lose combo no-hit try in 8th; Rangers' skid hits 11
Framber Valdez and the Houston bullpen took a no-hit try into the eighth inning and Astros beat Texas 4-1, sending the Rangers to their season-worst 11th straight loss.
![Yankees' Cole demands ball, completes 3-hit gem vs Astros](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/6entmD5iP_nQZtwsm5tXYOvrKl8=/800x532/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/QRMEOXX5Z5BPLOBLCLMATKPOPQ.jpg)
Yankees' Cole demands ball, completes 3-hit gem vs Astros
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole demanded on the mound that manager Aaron Boone let him get the final out, then struck out Yordan Alvarez with a 99 mph fastball on his career-high 129th pitch to cap the New York Yankeesโ 1-0 win over the Houston Astros.
![Cortes, Yankees bullpen combo on 3-hitter, blank Astros 4-0](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/MMp3jvPQNi-GXxs2lvNSArbBMOQ=/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/2DJO35FB5JEIDHYD2EBCHJ5EPE.jpg)
Cortes, Yankees bullpen combo on 3-hitter, blank Astros 4-0
Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu drove in two runs each to lead the New York Yankees to a 4-0 win over the Houston Astros on Friday night.
![Altuve slam in 10th lifts Astros over Rangers on Baker B-day](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/A6z1c4KyZV3Bj-52tqwcD9MY1vE=/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/WFEAI3V5DVC5BKDWVVMBVECMCA.jpg)
Altuve slam in 10th lifts Astros over Rangers on Baker B-day
Jose Altuve belted a grand slam in the 10th inning and the Houston Astros, saved by Carlos Correaโs tying homer in the ninth, beat the Texas Rangers 6-3 to give manager Dusty Baker quite an exciting birthday gift.
![LEADING OFF: Alonso's big allegation, Zombro out of hospital](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/ysmOJqD9yD1v6eSu2JP_2Ge6hqY=/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/XIB54EFNBREQBFU4VAS6FQWSWQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Alonso's big allegation, Zombro out of hospital
Mets slugger Pete Alonso uncorked a major allegation Wednesday, accusing MLB of manipulating its baseballs to harm the earning potential for star free agents and players eligible for arbitration.
![Tatis tying HR in 9th, Myers HR in 12th, Padres beat Astros](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xN3YnzCTTC7EBsG280GvpvAGD7s=/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/NB246SVEIBCIPEQ4RCVHPCYV2Q.jpg)
Tatis tying HR in 9th, Myers HR in 12th, Padres beat Astros
Fernando Tatis Jr. launched a monstrous, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning to tie it, Wil Myers hit a three-run drive in the 12th and the San Diego Padres beat the Houston Astros 11-8.
![Salty fans, hot Yankees greet Astros in return to Bronx](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/wVmx094Vg33uQ7on_sFnfzuECZg=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XFGJRQI5MFHFZPS64YRNJ64PEU.jpg)
Salty fans, hot Yankees greet Astros in return to Bronx
Boos and bad words streamed loudly from the seats in the Houston Astrosโ return to Yankee Stadium, and New York got a homer and four hits from Giancarlo Stanton to sate those spiteful fans with a 7-3 victory.
![Kluber gets 100th win, Yankees sweep Tigers to reach .500](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/bYG9GDkt2umcemocFbdo4V8QLnw=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/G5BJP5RJFRD6XGS27PDW5OQ52E.jpg)
Kluber gets 100th win, Yankees sweep Tigers to reach .500
Corey Kluber handcuffed Detroit batters to gain his 100th career win with his most dominant performance since 2018, and the New York Yankees beat the Tigers 2-0 to complete their first series sweep this season and get back to.
![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.
![Seeing is believing: Bauer shuts eye, pitches shutout ball](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/LJA7Rtyox3t4m4KnHrLNmlL_Iq8=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ISTEFVHXOFBAPPYM3OJQGSVCE4.jpg)
Seeing is believing: Bauer shuts eye, pitches shutout ball
Bauer 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 Lรณpez threw three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
![Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/AMuOvjPpjG8uL-0fofCFLqphNDE=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XBWPK3IA7VB3XIVBBBN2Z34X3Q.jpg)
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.โLESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Sotoโs spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattleโs top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.
![Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff lore](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/6I511-eCrjgXQb20NJx3FxRhCMo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SJGXCF4XWNGQLNJ32UQUNA4IO4.jpg)
Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff lore
Aaron Boone hit a game-ending leadoff homer in the 11th, sending New York to the World Series. 2015 WORLD SERIES GAME 5Matt Harvey and the New York Mets held a 2-0 lead, needing a win to send the Series back to Kansas City. 2016 WORLD SERIES GAME 7The Chicago Cubs led the Cleveland Indians 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth. 2019 WORLD SERIES GAME 7Too bad for Houston fans, the last time they saw Gerrit Cole throw, it was in the bullpen rather than on the mound. โI wasnโt going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead,โ Hinch said.
![Say good night to the bad guys: Astros fall short in Game 7](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/SPK8U3LSUVOFZ1pMs259UMLlWb4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IF36FNNEINFBPFJNXLAVBETOMI.jpg)
Say good night to the bad guys: Astros fall short in Game 7
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)SAN DIEGO โ The Houston Astros spent this odyssey of a season as baseball's biggest villains. When Aledmys Diaz flied out with a runner on first to end Game 7 of the AL Championship Series, the bad guys finally lost. Ridiculed, roasted and ripped all year long, the Astros still summoned enough October heart and poise to reach the brink of another World Series. Manager Dusty Baker's club even came agonizingly close to matching the biggest playoff comeback in baseball history in a wild ALCS. But several Astros veterans from those tainted seasons remain on the team, and the players werenโt sanctioned.
![Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/n79H34K8acxbR9gttf6qdhqVd_o=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/D4P33J2QE5CQPHXI3QPHMT6AMI.jpg)
Correa hits walkoff homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
The Astros defeated the Rays 4-3 and the Rays lead the series 3-2 games. The Astros forced Game 6 on Friday, a rematch of the first game started by left-handers Blake Snell of Tampa Bay and Valdรฉz. Otherwise, big league clubs leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series are 37-1. Correa also hit a walkoff homer in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS off Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees. Houston became the first team with a leadoff and walk-off home run in a postseason game.
![Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Fc9uowWmL5SX6xFJaRfQWul6aMg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NVKGZQNKGZGQJJK35XCC2MWNEU.jpg)
Springer, Altuve homer to keep Astros alive in ALCS
Beating the Tampa Bay Rays three more times to reach the World Series won't be easy, but the Astros believe they can do it. With Altuve atoning for his poor defense in this series, the Astros finally got their offense going after being pushed to the brink of a sweep. The Rays remain one win from advancing to the World Series for the second time in franchise history. Altuve hit a homer in the first and an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead. It was the third home run of the postseason for Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series.
![LEADING OFF: Dodgers hope Kershaw can go in NLCS Game 4](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/CWEYJmK53phJf3p_QMzWH9_18ro=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SPSRJDW2BFFRLKFBDSAKIGOX4E.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Dodgers hope Kershaw can go in NLCS Game 4
Clayton Kershaw could start Game 4 of the NL Championship Series for the Dodgers if the left-handerโs back continues to improve. Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled Game 2 start because of back spasms, and manager Dave Roberts decided to stick with left-hander Julio Urรญas for Game 3 against Atlanta on Wednesday night. Veteran right-hander Zack Greinke delivered six gutsy innings in a 4-3 Game 4 victory for Houston's first win of the series, and usual No. A three-time World Series-winning manager, the 76-year-old La Russa joined the Angels prior to this season as senior advisor of baseball operations. He hasnโt managed since 2011, when he led St. Louis past Texas in the World Series.
![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: Down 0-2 in NLCS, Dodgers turn to Urรญas](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/kStKlJNnOx6N9BvGRuQq-TVhdvg=/1600x899/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NXQXBIS5O5CZFPY3RNACWRVT7E.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Down 0-2 in NLCS, Dodgers turn to Urรญas
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled Game 2 start Tuesday due to back spasms. The team still expects he'll be able to pitch later in the series, but it will be Urรญas in Game 3 against Braves rookie Kyle Wright. Urรญas, already pitching in his fourth postseason, was the winner in relief in the Game 3 clincher last Thursday against San Diego during the Division Series. There have been 14 teams take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, and all have gone on to win the pennant. Heโll pitch in AL Championship Series Game 4 against Houston on four daysโ rest.
![Greinke says he prefers playing without fans in ballparks](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/x8RHRLhHRJJi7wpU7HQpSNItH1o=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UVEHEU3B2ZFVNCIQEEXW7HXADE.jpg)
Greinke says he prefers playing without fans in ballparks
SAN DIEGO โ Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke said heโs enjoyed playing games without fans during the pandemic-shortened season and in the playoffs. โI donโt really notice fans when the gameโs going on, but warming up and practice before games, I mean for me itโs nice not having fans in the stands,โ Greinke said Tuesday before Game 3 of the AL Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Some fans are being allowed to NL Championship Series games in Arlington, Texas, and will be for the World Series, as well. Fans werenโt allowed in for the AL Division Series against Oakland at Dodger Stadium or the ALCS at Petco Park in San Diego. Some family members have been allowed in for games in San Diego.
![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.
![Bang! Bang! Astros thump away vs Oakland, return to ALCS](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/OJdwC3X18KccL7pjibmzElxcHpI=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WEUP2IVTURGB7IXVXN6LZSXHQE.jpg)
Bang! Bang! Astros thump away vs Oakland, return to ALCS
Houston Astros' George Springer, left, celebrates with Carlos Correa after the Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. โWe have young guys that are leaning on the veterans and the veterans are taking care of them right now. The Astros and A's combined for 24 homers โ 12 each โ the most in a postseason series of five games or fewer. The scandal led to season-long suspensions of Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager AJ Hinch, who both were fired. BACK TO THE ALCSThe Astros became the third team in AL history since 1969 to reach four straight AL Championship Series.
![Astros' Greinke holds up 2 fingers, then allows HR on slider](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/B-D0JbuynL3--Bqpu47-qfpGKXY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JDA7B5FH2BFJNOH76TNMWHQZL4.jpg)
Astros' Greinke holds up 2 fingers, then allows HR on slider
Greinke has at times used a hand signal to switch sign sets mid-inning with Laureano. Laureano entered 3 for 22 in the postseason but didn't seem concerned about facing Greinke. Greinke was announced as the Game 4 starter by manager Dusty Baker about three hours before the scheduled first pitch. Greinke, who turns 37 on Oct. 21, threw off flat ground after Tuesday's game and told Baker Thursday morning he was ready to go. โWe hope to get as many quality innings as Greinke can give us and not have too many bullpen innings.
![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.
![LEADING OFF: Stanton's HR streak, Kershaw at home, Acuรฑa hit](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/svwWBz5qRiroO4fCk1OBa6R8hUs=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/H2HT342OLNH4LDETXK6RJSCY7A.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Stanton's HR streak, Kershaw at home, Acuรฑa hit
(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)A look at what's happening around the majors on Wednesday:STANTON'S STREAKYankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton has homered in all four of the team's postseason games this year. The two-time NL home run champion is from the Los Angeles area and says โthat SoCal air" is helping the ball fly. If the Dodgers advance to the NL Championship Series or World Series, fans will be allowed at those games. โAt this point I think weโve grown accustomed to it.โAlcantara insisted he didnโt intend to hit Acuรฑa and that Miamiโs game plan is simply to pitch inside to him. Springerโs 17 postseason homers tied Nelson Cruz and Jim Thome for most through a playerโs first 54 postseason games.
![Astros win 4-1 in Game 1; Twins' record losing streak at 17](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/U_0JjL4UGFdZz6KwYrY4K6LtexA=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XREKAWTN6NH4BH46VLOALWKHIY.jpg)
Astros win 4-1 in Game 1; Twins' record losing streak at 17
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa, left, and George Springer, center, jump in celebration of the Astros 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins 4-1 in Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series, Tuesday Sept. 29, 2020, in Minneapolis. They know what itโs like," said manager Dusty Baker, after the Astros became the first team in major league history to win a game after reaching the postseason with a losing record. It didnโt go my way,โ said Romo, who has three World Series rings with San Francisco and pitched in his 30th career postseason game. Minnesotaโs previous win in the playoffs was notched in New York on Oct. 5, 2004, in Game 1 of the AL division series. UP NEXTThe Astros were waiting until after the game to announce their starter for Game 2, though Valdez's appearance took him out of the mix.
![Betts homers, Dodgers beat Astros 8-1; LA fans still sore](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/96sH5IVioNu5mB8Sm4eMXnqBGvw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DFIFYRUY5NASBH5FIDKGA5IOXE.jpg)
Betts homers, Dodgers beat Astros 8-1; LA fans still sore
Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts, right, gets congratulations from Enrique Hernandez, after Betts hits a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)LOS ANGELES โ Mookie Bettsโ two-run homer highlighted a four-run fifth inning, Chris Taylor added a three-run shot, and the Dodgers defeated Houston 8-1 on Sunday night with angry Los Angeles fans letting the Astros have it again. For the second straight day, the Astros were bombarded with messages towed by planes over Dodger Stadium. Go Dodgersโ and โHey Astros Try Stealing This Sign!โ read others. Dodgers: Begin a three-game series at San Diego on Monday in a showdown between the NL West's top teams.
![Astros rally to beat Dodgers 7-5 despite angry LA fans](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/-fRigoqolTdGL6kgl0CZWJxh2VQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LCS2NFWYWZD77CEGNI3BGACMOU.jpg)
Astros rally to beat Dodgers 7-5 despite angry LA fans
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) and center fielder George Springer (4) celebrate the team's 7-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Los Angeles. But there were multiple reminders that Dodger fans havenโt forgotten the Astrosโ cheating scandal from their 2017 championship. Kelly's curled lip has been immortalized in a spray-painted wall mural by an artist in Los Angeles. Taylor blasted a two-run shot into the right-field pavilion with two outs in the second, giving Los Angeles a 2-1 lead. Dodgers: RHP Dustin May, who took a line drive off his left foot in Arizona, had a CT scan that revealed a contusion but no fracture.
![Maldonado's 3-run shot leads Astros over Giants 5-1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/-Y66oI0CVk1O487vgyyf6LC1hQc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XPQPCRL6WNCZFJ2X744AWJZDFQ.jpg)
Maldonado's 3-run shot leads Astros over Giants 5-1
Houston Astros' Martin Maldonado hits a three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON Martn Maldonado hit a three-run home run to back a strong start by Zack Greinke and help the Houston Astros to a 5-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night. Maldonado then knocked his two-strike homer into the seats in left field to make it 5-1. San Francisco starter Trevor Cahill, who was selected to the Major League roster before the game, walked four in 1 2/3 innings. UP NEXTGiants: San Francisco is off on Thursday before Johnny Cueto (1-0, 5.40) is scheduled to start on Friday night in the first of three games against Oakland.
![AP study: MLB average salary under $1.3M; Scherzer tops list](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/gswQ0ypghA15XdgxBObqUBcivHs=/1600x1056/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BJSFWC3W45B4PLM7QKETF44BYU.jpg)
AP study: MLB average salary under $1.3M; Scherzer tops list
Washington pitcher Max Scherzer topped the shortened seasons list at $17.8 million, his income partially protected by a huge signing bonus. Salaries averaged $1,295,942 on expanded opening-day rosters after prorated pay was factored in, according to the AP study. Scherzers $210 million, seven-year contract includes a $50 million signing bonus baseball signing bonuses are distinct from salaries and not subject to reduction. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was second on the opening day list at $16.3 million, boosted by a $23 million signing bonus. It would have projected to $4,144,328 with an active limit of 28 and $4,386,353 at 26, which would have been up 0.2% from last years AP study average of $4,375,486.
!['It's over now' - Astros eager to put scandal behind them](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/H5uTguMuHHxkFAfJvaQrmFjjViE=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/A44ORRRGGRFKPPB65KBCYA7XN4.jpg)
'It's over now' - Astros eager to put scandal behind them
HOUSTON The Houston Astros spent the offseason reeling from a sign-stealing scandal that cost manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow their jobs. The change didnt stop the Astros from being the villains of baseball this spring. The Astros are preparing for the possibility of being without designated hitter Yordan Alvarez for the start of the season and potentially longer. The Astros are counting on McCullers to have a big season in his return after missing last season following Tommy John surgery. Tucker, who can play outfield and first base, has appeared in just 50 MLB games over the past two seasons.
![World Series Game 7: Astros host Nationals](https://sharedmedia.grahamdigital.com/photo/2019/10/28/Houston%20Astros%20Carlos%20Correa%20World%20Series.jpg_22422181_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
World Series Game 7: Astros host Nationals
Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates as he rounds the bases on his two-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the 4th inning in Game 5 of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington, DC. (CNN) - You could almost say the Washington Nationals have the Houston Astros right where they want them. The National League champs have perennial all-star pitcher Max Scherzer starting the deciding World Series contest and Wednesday night's Game 7 is for the Nationals a road contest. And the road team winning the World Series decider is a recent trend; the past five events were won on the road. The Nationals won when they scored 10 runs in the final three innings.