A look at what's happening around the majors today:IT'S ALL ON THE LINEHouston Astros ace Gerrit Cole has won a franchise-record 17 straight decisions heading into the deciding Game 5 of their AL Division Series against visiting Tampa Bay. The winner meets the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series starting Saturday.Cole is 17-0 in 23 starts since a May 22 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He has allowed 92 hits over 154 1/3 innings during that span, striking out 241 and walking 32. That includes an outstanding outing in a 3-1 Game 2 win over the Rays, when he struck out 15, didn't walk a batter until his final one, and allowed four hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings.Tyler Glasnow starts for the Rays after taking a 6-2 loss in the opener, when he gave up two runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings, including José Altuve's go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth.Both starters came up with the Pirates organization and were teammates in Pittsburgh from 2016-17.Cole was the top pick in the 2011... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:IT'S ALL ON THE LINEHouston Astros ace Gerrit Cole has won a franchise-record 17 straight decisions heading into the deciding Game 5 of their AL Division Series against visiting Tampa Bay. The winner meets the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series starting Saturday.Cole is 17-0 in 23 starts since a May 22 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He has allowed 92 hits over 154 1/3 innings during that span, striking out 241 and walking 32. That includes an outstanding outing in a 3-1 Game 2 win over the Rays, when he struck out 15, didn't walk a batter until his final one, and allowed four hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings.Tyler Glasnow starts for the Rays after taking a 6-2 loss in the opener, when he gave up two runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings, including José Altuve's go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth.Both starters came up with the Pirates organization and were teammates in Pittsburgh from 2016-17.Cole was the top pick in the... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Brian McCann's Atlanta homecoming didn't end the way he hoped.McCann is retiring after a 15-year career that included two stints with his Atlanta hometown Braves, making the announcement Wednesday after the 13-1 loss to St. Louis in the decisive Game 5 of the NL Division Series."It's sad but it's time," the 35-year-old said softly in the somber Atlanta clubhouse as he made his announcement. "I had a long career. Fifteen years is a long time, catching every day. I got to play in my hometown."McCann, from Duluth High School in the Atlanta area, played his first nine seasons with the Braves. Following three seasons with the New York Yankees and two with Houston, McCann returned to Atlanta to renew a friendship with Braves manager Brian Snitker that began in the minors."I've known Snit for a long time, since he was a Double-A manager," the seven-time All-Star said. "I enjoyed the chance to do this with him."McCann won a World Series title with Houston in 2017 but couldn't realize... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have scored a record 10 runs in the first inning of the decisive Game 5 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.The biggest first inning in MLB playoff history stunned the crowd at SunTrust Park on Wednesday and put the Braves on course to tie a big league record with their 10th straight postseason first-round loss.Atlanta starter Mike Foltynewicz, who pitched seven scoreless innings in Game 2, retired only one hitter. A huge error by first baseman Freddie Freeman cost the Braves a chance to get out of the inning with only one run scoring. Freeman had a hard-hit ball by Yadier Molina bounce off his glove. Had he fielded it cleanly, it could have been an inning-ending double play.Tommy Edman, Dexter Fowler and Kolten Wong each had a two-run double, Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty walked with the bases loaded to force in a run, and St. Louis added to the Braves' misery by scoring its final run on a strikeout.Marcell Ozuna swung at a pitch in the dirt was already heading back to the dugout when he realized the pitch had gotten by Brian McCann. The catcher fell down trying to retrieve the ball and his throw to first to too late to get the late-running Ozuna.The Cardinals sent 14 batters to the plate before Max Fried finally got the final out.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have scored a record 10 runs in the first inning of the decisive Game 5 of the NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves.The biggest first inning in MLB playoff history stunned the crowd at SunTrust Park on Wednesday and put the Braves on course to tie a big league record with their 10th straight postseason first-round loss.Atlanta starter Mike Foltynewicz, who pitched seven scoreless innings in Game 2, retired only one hitter. A huge error by first baseman Freddie Freeman cost the Braves a chance to get out of the inning with only one run scoring.Tommy Edman, Dexter Fowler and Kolten Wong each had a two-run double, Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty walked with the bases loaded to force in a run, and St. Louis added to the Braves' misery by scoring its final run on a strikeout.Marcell Ozuna swung at a pitch in the dirt was already heading back to the dugout when he realized the pitch had gotten by Brian McCann. The catcher fell down trying to retrieve the ball and his throw to first to too late to get the late-running Ozuna.The Cardinals sent 14 batters to the plate before Max Fried finally got the final out.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Cardinals first. Dexter Fowler grounds out to second base, Ozzie Albies to Freddie Freeman. Kolten Wong strikes out swinging. Paul Goldschmidt homers to left field. Marcell Ozuna homers to left field. Yadier Molina grounds out to shortstop, Dansby Swanson to Freddie Freeman.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Cardinals 2, Braves 0.Braves third. Dansby Swanson singles to center field. Dallas Keuchel strikes out on a foul bunt. Ronald Acuna Jr. singles to right field. Dansby Swanson to third. Ozzie Albies out on a sacrifice fly to right field to Tommy Edman. Dansby Swanson scores. Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 2, Braves 1.Cardinals fourth. Marcell Ozuna homers to left field. Yadier Molina grounds out to shortstop, Dansby Swanson to Freddie Freeman. Matt Carpenter walks. Tommy Edman walks. Matt Carpenter to second. Paul DeJong called out on strikes. Dakota Hudson strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 left on. Cardinals 3, Braves... [More]

Braves first. Ronald Acuna Jr. grounds out to third base, Tommy Edman to Paul Goldschmidt. Ozzie Albies singles to shortstop. Freddie Freeman grounds out to first base, Paul Goldschmidt to Jack Flaherty. Ozzie Albies to third. Josh Donaldson singles to left field. Ozzie Albies scores. Nick Markakis grounds out to first base to Paul Goldschmidt.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Braves 1, Cardinals 0.Braves seventh. Matt Joyce strikes out swinging. Brian McCann singles to center field. Dansby Swanson strikes out swinging. Adam Duvall pinch-hitting for Mike Foltynewicz. Adam Duvall homers to center field. Brian McCann scores. Ronald Acuna Jr. doubles to left field. Ozzie Albies strikes out swinging.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Braves 3, Cardinals 0.

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. was back in Atlanta's lineup — and hustled his way to a seventh inning double — in Friday's Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.Acuña drew criticism from manager Brian Snitker and his teammates for his lack of hustle on a long fly ball in the seventh inning of the Cardinals' 7-6 win in Game 1 on Thursday night. Still, Acuña had three hits, including a two-run homer, and he remains a key to Atlanta's hopes in the series.Snitker pulled Acuña out of a game after a similar lack of hustle by the outfielder on a long fly ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 18. Acuña was back in the lineup the following day.Snitker said he had a "good conversation" with Acuña before Friday's game."It's not the first time, obviously. ... I'm not going to give up on this kid," Snitker said. "I mean, I'm going to go to the end of the Earth trying to help this guy."Acuña grounded out in the first inning, despite sprinting to first base, and struck... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. remained in Atlanta's lineup, hitting leadoff and playing center field, for Friday's Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.Acuña drew criticism from manager Brian Snitker and his teammates for his lack of hustle on a long fly ball in the seventh inning of the Cardinals' 7-6 win in Game 1 on Thursday night. Still, Acuña had three hits, including a two-run homer, and he remains a key to Atlanta's hopes in the series.Snitker pulled Acuña out of a game after a similar lack of hustle by the outfielder on a long fly ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 18. Acuña was back in the lineup the following day.Snitker said he had a "good conversation" with Acuña before Friday's game."It's not the first time, obviously. ... I'm not going to give up on this kid," nitker said. "I mean, I'm going to go to the end of the earth trying to help this guy."Acuña said after Thursday night's game "I always try to give my best effort."Snitker said... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. remains in Atlanta's lineup, hitting leadoff and playing center field, in Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.Acuña drew criticism from manager Brian Snitker and his teammates for his lack of hustle on a long fly ball in the seventh inning of the Cardinals' 7-6 win in Game 1 on Thursday night. Still, Acuña had three hits, including a two-run homer, and he remains a key to Atlanta's hopes in the series.Brian McCann is Atlanta's starting catcher for the second straight game, this time for right-hander Mike Foltynewicz.The Cardinals have their same starting eight position players behind ace right-hander Jack Flaherty. Second baseman Kolten Wong and shortstop Paul DeJong swapped spots in the batting order, with Wong hitting sixth and DeJong seventh.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Braves first. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Ozzie Albies walks. Freddie Freeman singles to left field. Ozzie Albies to third. Josh Donaldson reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Freddie Freeman to second. Ozzie Albies scores. Throwing error by Kolten Wong. Nick Markakis flies out to left field to Marcell Ozuna. Matt Joyce flies out to left field to Marcell Ozuna.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 left on. Braves 1, Cardinals 0.Cardinals fifth. Harrison Bader singles to shallow infield. Miles Mikolas out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Dallas Keuchel to Ozzie Albies. Harrison Bader to second. Dexter Fowler grounds out to second base, Ozzie Albies to Freddie Freeman. Harrison Bader scores. Tommy Edman doubles to left center field. Paul Goldschmidt lines out to shortstop to Dansby Swanson.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Cardinals 1, Braves 1.Braves sixth. Freddie Freeman grounds out to third base, Tommy Edman to Paul Goldschmidt. Josh Donaldson hit by pitch. Nick Markakis doubles to right... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — St. Louis manager Mike Shildt says he considered more than offense when choosing rookie third baseman Tommy Edman over veteran Matt Carpenter in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against Atlanta on Thursday.Kolten Wong returns for the Cardinals at second base after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. Wong’s return pushed Edman from second base to third base.Carpenter hit only .226 this season but his .267 average in September was his best of any month. Shildt said defensive considerations were factors in his decisions to start both Edman and center fielder Harrison Bader.There are no surprises in the Braves’ lineup. Brian McCann is manager Brian Snitker’s choice to catch for left-hander Dallas Keuchel, who has worked well with Tyler Flowers. Snitker said he consulted with Keuchel, who is comfortable with either catcher.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at the best-of-five National League Division Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Thursday, at Atlanta, 5:02 p.m. (TBS); Game 2, Friday, at Atlanta, 4:37 p.m. (TBS); Game 3, Sunday, at St. Louis, TBA (TBS); x-Game 4, Monday, at St. Louis, TBA (TBS); x-Game 5, Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Atlanta, TBA (TBS).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Braves won 4-2.___Projected Lineups:Cardinals: RF Dexter Fowler (.236, 18 HRs, 65 RBIs), 2B Tommy Edman (.307, 11, 36) or Kolten Wong (.285, 11, 59), 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.256, 33, 95), LF Marcell Ozuna (.242, 29, 88), C Yadier Molina (.271, 10, 57), 3B Matt Carpenter (.226, 14, 43), SS Paul DeJong (.234, 30, 78), CF Harrison Bader (.207, 12, 39).Braves: CF Ronald Acuña Jr (.280, 41, 101, 37/46 SBs), 2B Ozzie Albies (.295, 24, 86, 15/19 SBs), 1B Freddie Freeman (.295, 38, 121, .389 OBP), 3B Josh Donaldson (.259, 37, 94, .379 OBP), LF Nick Markakis (.285, 9, 62), RF Matt Joyce (.295, 7, 23) or Adam... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Juan Soto and Victor Robles took a moment to themselves off to the side of the clubhouse mayhem as the Washington Nationals celebrated clinching an NL wild card.They chatted, then they hugged.The two young Dominican outfielders — Soto is 20, Robles 22 — were a big part of Washington's success and two examples of the fresh faces around the majors who could become more familiar during the playoffs, which open Tuesday night with the Nationals hosting the Milwaukee Brewers."They put on a show during normal games, so I can only imagine what they're going to be feeling when they go to the postseason," said Adam Eaton, who plays right field, with Robles in center and Soto in left. "It's pretty neat that they get to display their talents to a wider audience. They should be household names already, and if they're not, they will be by the end of the postseason."There are guys like that all around, even if players like the Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger and New York Yankees'... [More]

Braves first. Dansby Swanson doubles to left center field. Ozzie Albies flies out to left field to J.D. Davis. Freddie Freeman strikes out swinging. Nick Markakis walks. Adeiny Hechavarria singles to center field. Nick Markakis to second. Dansby Swanson scores. Brian McCann grounds out to shallow center field, Robinson Cano to Pete Alonso.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Braves 1, Mets 0.Mets first. Brandon Nimmo lines out to right field to Matt Joyce. Pete Alonso singles to right field. Michael Conforto singles to right field. Pete Alonso to third. Robinson Cano out on a sacrifice fly to left field to Nick Markakis. Pete Alonso scores. J.D. Davis homers to center field. Michael Conforto scores. Amed Rosario singles to shallow infield.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Mets 3, Braves 1.Braves fourth. Adeiny Hechavarria flies out to center field to Brandon Nimmo. Brian McCann lines out to shallow right field to Robinson Cano. Matt Joyce singles to left field. Rafael Ortega homers to... [More]

Royals first. Whit Merrifield doubles to deep left field. Jorge Soler singles to center field. Whit Merrifield to third. Hunter Dozier out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Adam Duvall. Whit Merrifield scores. Alex Gordon hit by pitch. Jorge Soler to second. Ryan McBroom strikes out swinging. Ryan O'Hearn lines out to left field to Adam Duvall.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Royals 1, Braves 0.Royals third. Jorge Soler walks. Hunter Dozier singles to center field. Jorge Soler to second. Alex Gordon singles to right field. Hunter Dozier to third. Jorge Soler scores. Ryan McBroom hit by pitch. Alex Gordon to second. Ryan O'Hearn out on a sacrifice fly to left field to Adam Duvall. Hunter Dozier scores. Bubba Starling doubles to deep left center field, advances to home. Ryan McBroom scores. Alex Gordon scores. Throwing error by Brian McCann. Meibrys Viloria flies out to deep right center field to Nick Markakis. Nicky Lopez grounds out to shortstop, Dansby Swanson to Austin Riley.5... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — One year ago, just winning the NL East was enough for the rebuilding Atlanta Braves.Now manager Brian Snitiker and general manager Alex Anthopoulos expect more.Even as players celebrated their second straight division title with beer and bubbly on Friday night, focus shifted."Our first goal was to win the East and we did, and I think now that's not good enough," Snitker said Saturday. "I think our guys know they're capable of a lot more than that. The goal now is the big prize. We feel like we have a team that can do that. We are deep enough, strong enough. I think that is a realistic goal, not just to want to get in but to win the whole thing."After Friday night's clinching 6-0 win over the Giants, Anthopoulos stood outside the clubhouse doors while the rowdy celebration continued inside.The GM didn't allow himself to be sprayed. He was looking ahead to the Division Series starting Oct. 3."Kind of by design," Anthopoulos said when asked how he stayed dry. "Hopefully we're... [More]

Braves first. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Ozzie Albies singles to center field, advances to 2nd. Ronald Acuna Jr. to third. Freddie Freeman out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Alex Dickerson. Ronald Acuna Jr. scores. Josh Donaldson grounds out to third base, Evan Longoria to Brandon Belt. Nick Markakis grounds out to second base, Mauricio Dubon to Brandon Belt.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 left on. Braves 1, Giants 0.Braves third. Mike Foltynewicz grounds out to first base to Brandon Belt. Ronald Acuna Jr. doubles to deep left field. Ozzie Albies singles to center field. Ronald Acuna Jr. scores. Freddie Freeman reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Ozzie Albies out at second. Josh Donaldson strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Braves 2, Giants 0.Braves fifth. Mike Foltynewicz singles to shallow infield. Ronald Acuna Jr. homers to center field. Mike Foltynewicz scores. Ozzie Albies strikes out swinging. Freddie Freeman pops out to Brandon Crawford. Josh Donaldson grounds out to shortstop, Brandon Crawford to Brandon Belt.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Braves 4, Giants 0.Braves sixth. Nick Markakis lines out to deep left center field to Kevin Pillar. Matt Joyce singles to center field. Brian McCann homers to center field. Matt Joyce scores. Dansby Swanson grounds out to shallow infield, Tyler Beede to Brandon Belt. Mike Foltynewicz called out on strikes.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Braves 6, Giants 0.

Braves second. Nick Markakis reaches on error. Throwing error by Cesar Hernandez. Matt Joyce reaches on error. Nick Markakis to third. Fielding error by Adam Haseley. Brian McCann reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. Matt Joyce out at second. Nick Markakis scores. Dansby Swanson strikes out swinging. Julio Teheran called out on strikes.1 run, 0 hits, 2 errors, 1 left on. Braves 1, Phillies 0.Phillies fourth. J.T. Realmuto hit by pitch. Bryce Harper homers to center field. J.T. Realmuto scores. Rhys Hoskins grounds out to third base, Josh Donaldson to Freddie Freeman. Jean Segura flies out to center field to Ronald Acuna Jr.. Scott Kingery strikes out on a foul tip.2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Phillies 2, Braves 1.Phillies sixth. Cesar Hernandez homers to center field. J.T. Realmuto reaches on catcher interference. Interference error by Brian McCann. Bryce Harper walks. J.T. Realmuto to second. Rhys Hoskins walks. Jean Segura walks. Rhys Hoskins to second. Bryce Harper to third. J.T. Realmuto scores. Scott Kingery strikes out swinging. Adam Haseley strikes out swinging. Maikel Franco grounds out to third base, Josh Donaldson to Freddie Freeman.2 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 3 left on. Phillies 4, Braves 1.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have recalled catcher John Ryan Murphy from Triple-A Gwinnett and placed infielder Charlie Culberson on the 60-day injured list.Murphy will provide depth behind Brian McCann and Tyler Flowers in the final two weeks of the regular season. The move was made before Tuesday night's game against Philadelphia.The Braves acquired Murphy from Arizona on July 31 and then hit .170 in 14 games with Gwinnett. He has hit .219 in seven major league seasons with the Yankees, Minnesota and the Diamondbacks.Culberson suffered multiple broken facial bones when he was hit in the face by a pitch from Washington's Fernando Rodney on Saturday. Culberson already had been declared as out for the season but will not require surgery.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports