FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Carrying one of the most hated sports names in Boston is already enough of a burden, so Jeter Downs won’t also try to be the guy who replaces Mookie Betts.The former Dodgers prospect, who was named after Hall of Famer Derek Jeter by his Yankees-loving mother, was acquired in the deal that sent Betts to Los Angeles on the eve of spring training. And he knew the question was coming.“Obviously, I'm going to get bombarded with this whole name thing,” he said in the Red Sox clubhouse Wednesday before the team's first formal workout of spring training. “It's pretty cool. And I guess my mom, she knew what she was doing when she named me Jeter.”The 21-year-old infielder was the No. 3 prospect in the Dodgers organization and the second son in his family. His older brother was named after their father, so when he was born, it was their mother's turn.“She just loved Jeter and how he was and the way he played the game. So she gave me the name,” Jeter Downs said. “I obviously... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Carrying one of the most jeered names at Fenway Park is already enough of a burden, so Jeter Downs won’t also try to be the guy who replaces Mookie Betts.The former Dodgers prospect, who was named after Hall of Famer Derek Jeter by his Yankees-loving mother, was acquired in the deal that sent Betts to Los Angeles on the eve of spring training. And he knew the question was coming.“Obviously, I'm going to get bombarded with this whole name thing,” he said in the Red Sox clubhouse on Wednesday before the first formal workout. “It's pretty cool. And I guess my mom, she knew what she was doing when she named me Jeter.”The 21-year-old infielder was the No. 3 prospect in the Dodgers organization and second son in the family. His older brother is named after their father and mom got to name the second child. “She just loved Jeter and how he was and the way he played the game. So she gave me the name,” Jeter Downs said.How often has he been asked about it?“Oh, my God. You... [More]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have a list of characteristics they want in their next manager, but they haven't yet landed on a name. Their fans have one in mind.Three days after the Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora for his involvement in a cheating scandal, supporters pleaded for Boston's front office to hire former catcher and team captain Jason Varitek at a town hall event Friday during the team's winter festival.Members of the team's leadership group were hit with “Hire 'Tek!” chants throughout the night, and principal owner John Henry was interrupted several times by fans voicing their support. Henry paused and nodded in acknowledgement, and new chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom used the opportunity to appease the crowd.“I think if you poll the audience, they would just get this done right now,” Bloom said to big applause.Varitek, who was not in attendance, spent 15 seasons with the Red Sox from 1997 to 2011 and was part of two World Series title teams. He is currently... [More]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have a list of characteristics they want in their next manager, but they haven't yet landed on a name. Their fans have one in mind.Three days after the Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora for his involvement in a cheating scandal, supporters pleaded for Boston's front office to hire former catcher and team captain Jason Varitek at a town hall event Friday during the team's winter festival.Members of the team's leadership group were hit with “Hire 'Tek!” chants throughout the night, and principal owner John Henry was interrupted several times by fans voicing their support. Henry paused and nodded in acknowledgement, and new chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom used the opportunity to appease the crowd.“I think if you poll the audience, they would just get this done right now,” Bloom said to big applause.Varitek, who was not in attendance, spent 15 seasons with the Red Sox from 1997 to 2011 and was part of two World Series title teams. He is currently... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox say the turmoil in the manager's office isn't a reason to give up on this season and trade outfielder Mookie Betts. “The goal remains to be competitive always,” Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said this week after Alex Cora was ousted, leaving the Red Sox without a manager with less than a month before spring training. “2020 is important. So are 2021, 2022 and beyond.”The 2018 AL MVP, Betts has been the subject of trade rumors this winter because he is in the last year of team control before he is eligible to become a free agent. The two sides avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year, $27 million contract for this season.“He's the biggest person for our team, or one of the biggest,” shortstop Xander Bogaerts said on Thursday at a Fenway Park availability before the annual Boston Baseball Writers Awards Dinner. “We have a lot of veterans in this clubhouse to make another run. We've been through the good and we've been through the bad, and we're still... [More]

Orioles third. Stevie Wilkerson walks. Austin Wynns flies out to right center field to Jackie Bradley Jr.. Richie Martin singles to shallow infield. Stevie Wilkerson to second. Hanser Alberto singles to center field. Richie Martin to second. Stevie Wilkerson scores. Austin Hays doubles to deep left field. Hanser Alberto to third. Richie Martin scores. Trey Mancini reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Austin Hays out at third. Hanser Alberto scores. Renato Nunez grounds out to first base to Mitch Moreland.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Orioles 3, Red sox 0.Red sox third. Brock Holt strikes out swinging. Gorkys Hernandez triples to deep right field. Jackie Bradley Jr. hit by pitch. Mookie Betts singles to deep left field. Jackie Bradley Jr. to second. Gorkys Hernandez scores. Rafael Devers singles to right field. Mookie Betts to third. Jackie Bradley Jr. scores. Throwing error by Stevie Wilkerson. Xander Bogaerts reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Rafael Devers to third.... [More]

Orioles first. Jonathan Villar doubles to deep right field. DJ Stewart homers to right field. Jonathan Villar scores. Trey Mancini strikes out swinging. Rio Ruiz singles to right center field. Renato Nunez pops out to Chris Owings. Chris Davis walks. Rio Ruiz to second. Stevie Wilkerson flies out to deep right field to Gorkys Hernandez.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Orioles 2, Red sox 0.Red sox first. Jackie Bradley Jr. singles to right field. Rafael Devers pops out to shallow center field to Rio Ruiz. Xander Bogaerts homers to left field. Jackie Bradley Jr. scores. J.D. Martinez homers to left field. Sam Travis flies out to deep center field to Stevie Wilkerson. Brock Holt strikes out swinging.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Red sox 3, Orioles 2.Orioles second. Austin Wynns strikes out swinging. Richie Martin homers to left field. Jonathan Villar called out on strikes. DJ Stewart pops out to Sandy Leon.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Orioles 3, Red sox 3.Orioles third. Trey... [More]

Sept. 291913 — Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators finished the season with 36 victories by virtue of a 1-0 decision over the Philadelphia A's.1915 — The Philadelphia Phillies clinched their first NL pennant, beating the Boston Braves, 5-0, behind Grover Alexander's one-hitter.1954 — Willie Mays made his famous over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz's long drive to center field and pinch-hitter Dusty Rhodes homered off Bob Lemon in the 10th inning to lead the New York Giants to a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians in Game 1 of the World Series.1963 — John Paciorek of the Houston Colt .45s, in his only major league appearance, went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and four runs scored against the New York Mets. A back injury ended his baseball career the next season.1976 — John Montefusco of the San Francisco Giants pitched a 9-0 no-hitter over the Braves in Atlanta.1983 — Mike Warren of the Oakland A's pitched a no-hitter to beat the Chicago White Sox, 3-0.1986 — Minnesota's Bert Blyleven... [More]

Rangers first. Shin-Soo Choo doubles to deep right field. Elvis Andrus singles to shallow right field. Shin-Soo Choo to third. Willie Calhoun hit by pitch. Elvis Andrus to second. Rougned Odor doubles to deep right field, advances to 3rd. Willie Calhoun out at home. Elvis Andrus scores. Shin-Soo Choo scores. Danny Santana grounds out to second base, Chris Owings to Mitch Moreland. Ronald Guzman singles to shallow left field. Rougned Odor scores. Scott Heineman reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Ronald Guzman out at second.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Rangers 3, Red sox 0.Red sox second. J.D. Martinez singles to left field. Christian Vazquez reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. J.D. Martinez out at second. Mitch Moreland singles to right center field. Christian Vazquez to third. Gorkys Hernandez walks. Mitch Moreland to second. Jackie Bradley Jr. grounds out to second base, Elvis Andrus to Ronald Guzman. Gorkys Hernandez to second. Mitch Moreland to third. Christian... [More]

Red sox first. Mookie Betts grounds out to shortstop, Elvis Andrus to Danny Santana. Rafael Devers singles to shallow left field. Xander Bogaerts singles to second base. Rafael Devers scores. J.D. Martinez singles to second base. Xander Bogaerts scores. Mitch Moreland grounds out to shallow right field, Rougned Odor to Edinson Volquez. J.D. Martinez to second. Andrew Benintendi singles to shallow center field. J.D. Martinez to third. Christian Vazquez walks. Andrew Benintendi to second. Jackie Bradley Jr. doubles to deep right center field. Christian Vazquez to third. Andrew Benintendi scores. J.D. Martinez scores. Marco Hernandez flies out to deep right field to Scott Heineman.4 runs, 5 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Red sox 4, Rangers 0.Rangers first. Delino DeShields strikes out swinging. Elvis Andrus doubles to deep left center field. Willie Calhoun singles to shallow infield. Elvis Andrus to third. Nick Solak strikes out swinging. Danny Santana walks. Willie Calhoun to second. Rougned... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer in his return to Chase Field, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-7 Monday night for their sixth straight win.Yadier Molina also connected as the Cardinals moved 3 1/2 games of idle Milwaukee in the NL Central. St. Louis has five games remaining in the regular season while Milwaukee has six.The Diamondbacks were eliminated from postseason contention.Goldschmidt had a big night in his return to the desert after playing eight years for the Diamondbacks from 2011-18. He got a loud ovation from fans in the first inning.Adam Wainwright (14-9) won his fifth straight start, allowing five runs over five innings. Carlos Martínez earned his 24th save.Arizona's Alex Young (7-5) surrendered six runs in five innings.RAYS 7, RED SOX 4ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ji-Man Choi, Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames homered during Tampa Bay's six-run fourth inning, and the Rays moved into sole possession of the second AL wild card.The Rays... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ji-Man Choi, Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames homered during Tampa Bay's six-run fourth inning, and the Rays moved into sole possession of the second AL wild card by rallying for a 7-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.The Rays hold a half-game lead over Cleveland, which had the day off.The announced attendance was 8,779.Boston slugger J.D. Martinez drove in a run to become the ninth player in franchise history to have at least 35 homers and 100 RBIs in multiple seasons. The list also includes David Ortiz, Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski and Ted Williams.Colin Poche, the ninth Tampa Bay pitcher, struck out Christian Vazquez and Xander Bogaerts with two on in the ninth for his second save. Austin Pruitt (3-0) worked one inning.Bobby Poyner (0-1) got the loss.NATIONALS 7, PHILLIES 2WASHINGTON (AP) — Patrick Corbin pitched six effective innings, and the Nationals strengthened their playoff positioning.Adam Eaton, Yan Gomes and Trea Turner homered for Washington,... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ji-Man Choi, Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames homered during Tampa Bay's six-run fourth inning, and the Rays moved into sole possession of the second AL wild card by rallying for a 7-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Monday night.The Rays hold a half-game lead over Cleveland, which had the day off.The announced attendance was 8,779.Boston slugger J.D. Martinez drove in a run to become the ninth player in franchise history to have at least 35 homers and 100 RBIs in multiple seasons. The list also includes David Ortiz, Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski and Ted Williams.Colin Poche, the ninth Tampa Bay pitcher, struck out Christian Vazquez and Xander Bogaerts with two on in the ninth for his second save. Austin Pruitt (3-0) worked one inning.Bobby Poyner (0-1) got the loss.NATIONALS 7, PHILLIES 2WASHINGTON (AP) — Patrick Corbin pitched six effective innings, and the Nationals strengthened their playoff positioning.Adam Eaton, Yan Gomes and Trea Turner homered for Washington,... [More]

Red sox first. Jackie Bradley Jr. strikes out swinging. Rafael Devers singles to center field. Xander Bogaerts singles to left center field. Rafael Devers to second. J.D. Martinez singles to deep right field. Xander Bogaerts to third. Rafael Devers scores. Christian Vazquez homers to left field. J.D. Martinez scores. Xander Bogaerts scores. Sam Travis singles to right center field. Gorkys Hernandez pops out to Nate Lowe. Chris Owings singles to left field. Sam Travis to second. Juan Centeno hit by pitch. Chris Owings to second. Sam Travis to third. Jackie Bradley Jr. called out on strikes.4 runs, 6 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Red sox 4, Rays 0.Rays first. Joey Wendle walks. Austin Meadows singles to center field. Joey Wendle to third. Tommy Pham grounds out to second base. Austin Meadows out at second. Joey Wendle scores. Ji-Man Choi strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Red sox 4, Rays 1.Rays second. Brandon Lowe singles to left field. Nate Lowe called out on strikes.... [More]

Rays third. Austin Meadows singles to right field. Tommy Pham strikes out swinging. Ji-Man Choi walks. Austin Meadows to second. Travis d'Arnaud singles to center field. Ji-Man Choi to third. Austin Meadows scores. Nate Lowe grounds out to first base to Mitch Moreland. Travis d'Arnaud to second. Matt Duffy hit by pitch. Joey Wendle singles to shallow right field. Matt Duffy to second. Travis d'Arnaud out at home. Ji-Man Choi scores.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Rays 2, Red sox 0.Red sox fourth. Xander Bogaerts homers to left field. J.D. Martinez strikes out swinging. Mitch Moreland strikes out swinging. Brock Holt lines out to third base to Matt Duffy.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Rays 2, Red sox 1.Rays seventh. Kevin Kiermaier strikes out swinging. Willy Adames homers to center field. Austin Meadows singles to center field. Tommy Pham reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Austin Meadows out at second. Ji-Man Choi flies out to deep left field to Brock Holt.1 run, 2 hits,... [More]

Giants first. Mauricio Dubon singles to left field. Austin Slater called out on strikes. Kevin Pillar reaches on error. Mauricio Dubon to third. Fielding error by Marco Hernandez. Evan Longoria out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Andrew Benintendi. Mauricio Dubon scores. Buster Posey strikes out on a foul tip.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 left on. Giants 1, Red sox 0.Red sox first. Andrew Benintendi doubles to deep center field. Christian Vazquez walks. Rafael Devers singles to right field. Christian Vazquez to third. Andrew Benintendi scores. Xander Bogaerts singles to center field. Rafael Devers to second. Christian Vazquez scores. Brock Holt strikes out on a foul tip. Gorkys Hernandez called out on strikes. Jackie Bradley Jr. flies out to right field to Austin Slater.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Red sox 2, Giants 1.Red sox second. Chris Owings grounds out to shortstop, Mauricio Dubon to Aramis Garcia. Marco Hernandez strikes out swinging. Andrew Benintendi singles to left... [More]

Giants first. Mike Yastrzemski walks. Brandon Belt doubles to deep left center field. Mike Yastrzemski to third. Kevin Pillar grounds out to shortstop, Xander Bogaerts to Mitch Moreland. Mike Yastrzemski scores. Alex Dickerson called out on strikes. Stephen Vogt homers to right field. Brandon Belt scores. Brandon Crawford singles to shortstop. Cristhian Adames strikes out swinging.3 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Giants 3, Red sox 0.Giants third. Brandon Belt strikes out swinging. Kevin Pillar singles to third base. Alex Dickerson called out on strikes. Stephen Vogt walks. Brandon Crawford doubles to right field. Stephen Vogt to third. Kevin Pillar scores. Cristhian Adames strikes out on a foul tip.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Giants 4, Red sox 0.Red sox sixth. Andrew Benintendi called out on strikes. Xander Bogaerts called out on strikes. Rafael Devers homers to right field. Christian Vazquez grounds out to shortstop, Brandon Crawford to Brandon Belt.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors,... [More]

Giants first. Mike Yastrzemski strikes out swinging. Brandon Belt homers to left field. Evan Longoria strikes out on a foul tip. Stephen Vogt grounds out to second base, Xander Bogaerts to Mitch Moreland.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Giants 1, Red sox 0.Red sox second. J.D. Martinez strikes out on a foul tip. Brock Holt walks. Mitch Moreland walks. Christian Vazquez walks. Mitch Moreland to second. Brock Holt to third. Jackie Bradley Jr. singles to left field. Christian Vazquez to second. Mitch Moreland to third. Brock Holt scores. Marco Hernandez reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Jackie Bradley Jr. to second. Christian Vazquez to third. Mitch Moreland out at home. Andrew Benintendi lines out to deep left field to Mike Yastrzemski.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3 left on. Giants 1, Red sox 1.Giants third. Mike Yastrzemski walks. Brandon Belt called out on strikes. Evan Longoria walks. Stephen Vogt doubles to deep right field. Evan Longoria to third. Mike Yastrzemski scores. Kevin... [More]

Red sox first. Andrew Benintendi singles to center field. Xander Bogaerts reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield, advances to 2nd. Andrew Benintendi to third. Throwing error by Jason Vargas. Rafael Devers hit by pitch. J.D. Martinez out on a sacrifice fly to right center field to Bryce Harper. Andrew Benintendi scores. Mitch Moreland strikes out swinging. Christian Vazquez flies out to deep right field to Bryce Harper.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 left on. Red sox 1, Phillies 0.Phillies second. Rhys Hoskins homers to left field. Brad Miller grounds out to shallow infield, Rick Porcello to Mitch Moreland. Jean Segura lines out to shortstop to Xander Bogaerts. Scott Kingery strikes out swinging.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Red sox 1, Phillies 1.Red sox third. Andrew Benintendi hit by pitch. Xander Bogaerts singles to left field. Andrew Benintendi to second. Rafael Devers called out on strikes. J.D. Martinez walks. Xander Bogaerts to second. Andrew Benintendi to third. Mitch Moreland... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Yu Darvish struck out a season-high 14 and allowed only two hits in six innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 4-1 on Thursday to remain tied with Milwaukee for the NL's second wild card.The Padres scored in the ninth when Manny Machado was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs, but Rowan Wick struck out Luis Urias to end it.Chicago split the four-game series and won for just the second time in seven games.Darvish (6-6) retired his first eight batters before allowing his first hit, an infield single by starter Dinelson Lamet (2-5). Darvish kicked the ball with his right foot and it caromed to third baseman Kris Bryant. Darvish struck out Greg Garcia to end the inning.The big right-hander had at least one strikeout in every inning. After Greg Garcia tripled leading off the sixth, Darvish finished strong by striking out the side, including Eric Hosmer for the third straight time.Darvish was one shy of his career high, set Aug. 12, 2013, at Houston... [More]