HARRISON BADER

The Houston Astros completed a four-game sweep of the New York Yankees, winning their second consecutive pennant and fourth in six years.

After losing to Atlanta in last year's World Series, Houston earned the fifth pennant in franchise history and another chance at its second World Series championship. With the playoffs expanded to 12 teams this year, the Phillies became the first third-place squad in baseball history to reach the World Series. Giancarlo Stanton laced an RBI single off starter Lance McCullers Jr., and Torres blooped a run-scoring single into center. UP NEXTAstros: Justin Verlander is likely to start the World Series opener. He is 0-6 in seven World Series starts.

The Houston Astros are still the team to beat in the American League. They completed their sweep of the New York Yankees and will face the Phillies in the World Series.

Aaron Judge’s future is uncertain.

Back home for a must-win game, Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees generated more boos than base hits.

Cristian Javier and Houston’s bullpen combined on a three-hitter, Chas McCormick followed a dropped flyball with an early two-run homer and the Astros beat Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees 5-0 to take a 3-0 AL Championship Series lead.

Two losses to the Houston Astros to begin the ALCS have magnified the instability of the Yankees offense. Even in the latter half of October, manager Aaron Boone is scrambling to adequately fill in the lineup around Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo. Yankees lineup conjuring bad memories of August swoonWhen the Yankees lineup temporarily crumbled beneath Judge in August, knocking the team off a record win pace and out of the top seed in the AL postseason chase, it looked a bit like this. Of the 10 Yankees hitters who took the most plate appearances in the second half, only three posted better than average batting lines. As Aaron Judge surveys his suitors this offseason, are the Yankees the one most committed to building a winner around him?

No, you were not watching a repeat - the Houston Astros again beat the New York Yankees in their own stadium, this time to take a 2-0 lead in the ALCS.

Alex Bregman hit an early three-run homer, Framber Valdez pitched seven strong innings and the Houston Astros edged the New York Yankees 3-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.

For the third time in that run, they're matching up with the New York Yankees. Astros ace Justin Verlander got better as he went, and Houston eventually broke through against the Yankees bullpen. The Yankees' task won't get easier in Game 2 Thursday night, as Astros lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound. Rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza will get the start at shortstop and again relegate Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. The Astros have been getting a serious postseason jolt from their own rookie shortstop, Jeremy Peña, who homered to seal Game 1.

Astros ace Justin Verlander got better as he went, and Houston eventually broke through against the Yankees bullpen. The Yankees' task won't get easier in Game 2 Thursday night, as Astros lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound. The rest of the lineup has been a work in progress, and manager Aaron Boone is making changes for Game 2. Rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza will get the start at shortstop and again relegate Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. The Astros have been getting a serious postseason jolt from their own rookie shortstop, Jeremy Peña, who homered to seal Game 1.

Astros ace Justin Verlander got better as he went, and Houston eventually broke through against the Yankees bullpen. The Yankees' task won't get easier in Game 2 Thursday night, as Astros lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound. The rest of the lineup has been a work in progress, and manager Aaron Boone is making changes for Game 2. Rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza will get the start at shortstop and again relegate Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. The Astros have been getting a serious postseason jolt from their own rookie shortstop, Jeremy Peña, who homered to seal Game 1.

The Houston Astros used three solo home runs to defeat the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the ALCS on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park.

Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six strong innings and Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña all homered to power the Houston Astros to a 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in their AL Championship Series opener.

Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge staggered Cleveland with early homers, and the New York Yankees rocked past the Guardians 5-1 in the decisive Game 5 of their AL Division Series to set up another rematch with Houston for the pennant.

Cole was pulled after 110 pitches and Yankees manager Aaron Boone brought in closer Clay Holmes for the eighth. Holmes struck out Amed Rosario and All-Star José Ramírez in the eighth before Wandy Peralta finished for the save. The Guardians closed within 3-2 in the fourth on Naylor's second career postseason homer — and third homer in 17 at-bats — off Cole. He also homered in Game 1, when Cole and the Yankees beat Quantrill. With runners at first and second, Ramírez dropped a bloop into left field that scored rookie Steven Kwan.

The New York Yankees avoided elimination, taking Game 4 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians and sending the series back to the Bronx for the decisive Game 5.

Gerrit Cole gave New York what it needed, seven solid innings and Harrison Bader hit a two-run homer as the Yankees saved their season and forced a decisive fifth game in the AL Division Series with a 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians.

The Yankees ace tossed seven innings and allowed only two runs to subdue the Cleveland Guardians, 4-2, in American League Division Series Game 4 and force a winner-take-all Game 5 on Monday night. It's been a familiar cast of characters lifting the Yankees in this series. Both Yankees wins in this series have been credited to Cole. Yankees starter Nestor Cortes Jr. — whose Game 2 outing was delayed by rain — may be available for a multi-inning stint. The Game 2 postponement has pushed the Yankees' injury-riddled bullpen into a tough matchup against Cleveland and Terry Francona's fully armed relief corps.

Aaron Judge was dropped from the leadoff spot to No. 2 in the lineup for Game 3 of the AL Division Series as the New York Yankees try to break the record-settling slugger out of his postseason slump.

The New York Yankees used a Gerrit Cole gem and a pair of home runs leading to a victory in Game 1 of the American League Division Series over the Cleveland Guardians.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Gerrit Cole cruised for most of the night, Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo homered and the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 on Tuesday in their AL Division Series opener. After rookie Steven Kwan put the Guardians ahead with a third-inning homer, Cole escaped a bases-loaded jam later in the inning by striking out Andrés Giménez. Cole allowed just two more runners, on a single and his only walk, and got the win in his first postseason game for the Yankees in the Bronx. Donaldson was midway between first and second, and Rosario took a few steps and tossed to first baseman Josh Naylor. Right field umpire Mark Ripperger correctly ruled the ball in play and his call was confirmed in a video review.

Gerrit Cole cruised for most of the night, Harrison Bader and Anthony Rizzo homered and the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 in their AL Division Series opener.

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is still at 61 home runs with two games left.

Aaron Judge didn’t come close to hitting his 62nd home run, going 1 for 2 with a pair of walks as the Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 2-1.

Aaron Judge went homerless for the fourth straight game and remained one shy of Roger Maris’ American League record of 61 as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 7-5 to close in on their first AL East title since 2019.

Aaron Judge was held without a homer for the third straight game, keeping him at 60 for the season and one shy of Roger Maris’ American League record, and the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4.

Aaron Judge fell a few feet short of a record-tying 61st homer, hitting a 404-foot drive caught just in front of the center field wall, and the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 on Josh Donaldson’s 10th-inning single to clinch their sixth straight playoff berth.

Aaron Judge disappointed fans by staying stuck at 60 homers but doubled twice and scored on Oswaldo Cabrera’s first-inning grand slam that started the New York Yankees to a 14-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run and Giancarlo Stanton followed minutes later with a game-ending grand slam, completing the New York Yankees' stunning five-run, ninth-inning rally to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-8 on Tuesday night. First baseman Anthony Rizzo made a key error that led to the four-run eighth inning for the already-eliminated Pirates. FAMILY MATTERSFormer Yankees 3B Charlie Hayes, who caught the final out of the 1996 World Series, threw a ceremonial first pitch to his son, Pirates 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes. ... LHP Zack Britton (Tommy John surgery) pitched a one-hit inning for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in his eighth rehab outing. UP NEXTNew York RHP Luis Severino (5-3, 3.45) starts Wednesday after recovering from a lat strain that has sidelined him since July 13.

Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run and Giancarlo Stanton followed minutes later with a game-ending grand slam, completing the New York Yankees’ stunning five-run, ninth-inning rally to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-8.

Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run, matching Babe Ruth and moving within one of Roger Maris’ American League season record.

Twenty years after celebrating his eighth birthday with a Yankees logo on his birthday cake, Harrison Bader put on the pinstripes he rooted for while growing up. Bader drove in three runs with a pair of go-ahead singles, going 2 for 4 in a stunning 9-8 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night that marked his injury-delayed Yankees debut.

Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 56th and 57th home runs, Gleyber Torres had a go-ahead three-run double in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees held on to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6.

Leadoff man Aaron Judge singled twice during a six-run first inning off Corey Kluber as the New York Yankees started with seven straight hits for the first time since 1990 and routed the Tampa Bay Rays 10-3.

Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 54th home run, connecting for the third straight day and sending the New York Yankees over the Minnesota Twins 5-2.

Aaron Judge hit a three-run shot for his 51st homer of the season, and the New York Yankees snapped their three-game losing streak with a 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman responded to his team's funk with some flowery language and belief in manager Aaron Boone, the coaches and players.

Randy Arozarena hit a three-run homer off Nestor Cortes in the first inning and the Tampa Bay staff made it stand up, leading the Rays over the skidding New York Yankees 3-1.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven spotless innings with longtime catcher Yadier Molina back behind the plate, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 6-0.

Royals Yankees Baseball New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery throws against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 31, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray) (Noah K. Murray)NEW YORK — (AP) — The Yankees acquired Gold Glove-winning center fielder Harrison Bader from the St. Louis Cardinals for left-hander Jordan Montgomery ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, a surprising deal aimed at improving defense. A speedy 28-year-old from Bronxville, New York, Bader has not played since June 26 because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Montgomery, who could make his Cardinals debut against the Yankees this weekend, is 22-20 with a 3.94 ERA in six big league seasons. Both Bader and Montgomery are eligible for free agency after the 2023 season.

The Yankees acquired Gold Glove-winning center fielder Harrison Bader from the St. Louis Cardinals for left-hander Jordan Montgomery ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, a surprising deal aimed at improving defense.

The Yankees acquired Gold Glove-winning center fielder Harrison Bader from the St. Louis Cardinals for left-hander Jordan Montgomery ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, a surprising deal aimed at improving defense. A speedy 28-year-old from Bronxville, New York, Bader has not played since June 26 because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. When he returns, he likely would play share center field with newly acquired Andrew Benintendi in a move that would put Aaron Judge back in right and see Aaron Hicks and Benintendi share time in left, with Giancarlo Stanton as the designated hitter.

Corbin Burnes pitched seven dominant innings, Tyrone Taylor hit a two-run homer and the Milwaukee Brewers regained sole possession of first place in the NL Central with a 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

The San Diego Padres will see how star third baseman Manny Machado is feeling, a day after he sprained his left ankle while taking a tumble running out a grounder.

Pirates Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Miles Mikolas (39) throws during the first inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane) (Scott Kane)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Miles Mikolas was one strike from a no-hitter when he gave up a double to Cal Mitchell with two outs in the ninth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1 to sweep a doubleheader Tuesday night. The most recent no-hitter for the Cardinals was thrown by rookie Bud Smith in a 4-0 win over San Diego on Sept. 3, 2001. Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman made a diving stop in the fourth and an off-balance throw from the middle of the diamond in the sixth to prevent would-be hits. Goldschmidt homered and drove in three runs as St. Louis won the opener of the day-night doubleheader 3-1.

Pirates Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Miles Mikolas (39) throws during the first inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane) (Scott Kane)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Miles Mikolas fell one strike short of a no-hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals against Pittsburgh when Cal Mitchell doubled with two outs in the ninth inning Tuesday night. Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman made a diving stop in the fourth and an off-balance throw from the middle of the diamond in the sixth to prevent would-be hits. Mikolas worked a 1-2-3 seventh with the help of a nice catch by Bader at the center-field fence on Jack Suwinski's drive. St. Louis won the opener of the day-night doubleheader 3-1.

Miles Mikolas was one strike from a no-hitter when he gave up a double to Cal Mitchell with two outs in the ninth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1 to sweep a doubleheader.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Paul Goldschmidt (46) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 3, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski) (Kamil Krzaczynski)CHICAGO — (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt homered to extend his hitting streak to 25 games, Corey Dickerson went deep twice and the St. Louis Cardinals routed the Chicago Cubs 14-5 on Friday. Goldschmidt hit a three-run drive in the third for his 12th home run. Goldschmidt has 10 homers and 36 RBIs in his last 22 games, a stretch that began May 11,. Patrick Wisdom hit a three-run homer in the first and RBI single in the seventh.

Paul Goldschmidt homered to extend his hitting streak to 25 games, Corey Dickerson went deep twice, and the St. Louis Cardinals pounded the Chicago Cubs 14-5.

Albert Pujols hit two home runs, then caught the warmup tosses when star catcher Yadier Molina made his first pitching appearance to close out the St. Louis Cardinals' 18-4 romp over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cardinals Mets Baseball New York Mets' Pete Alonso celebrates his walk-off two-run home run with teammates during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in New York. Albert Pujols hit a run-scoring double play grounder in the 10th of the Cardinals' first-extra inning game this year. With the automatic runner on second, Alonso drove the second pitch from Giovanny Gallegos (0-2) into the left field second deck for his third career game-ending home run. It was the 10th home run of the season for Alonso, who leads the major leagues with 33 RBIs. The ball whizzed just over the head of Alonso, who has been hit on the helmet twice this season.

Hours after the Mets learned Max Scherzer will join fellow ace Jacob deGrom on the injured list, Pete Alonso kept New York rolling with a two-run homer in the 10th inning for a 7-6 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina set a major league record for wins by a starting battery as the St. Louis Cardinals routed the San Francisco Giants 15-6 in a game that ended with longtime slugger Albert Pujols on the mound.

Jordan Binnington made 25 saves and the St. Louis Blues beat the Minnesota Wild 5-1 in Game 6 to advance to the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Rylan Bannon became just the third Baltimore player since 2000 to get a hit on the first pitch of his big league career, Jorge Mateo and Anthony Bemboom homered and the Orioles beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2.

Adam Wainwright pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, Nolan Arenado hit a three-run shot and finished with five RBIs, and the Cardinals beat the Royals 10-0 to take their four-game season series.

New York Mets ace Max Scherzer starts at night against Bryce Harper and the Phillies at Citi Field.

Merrill Kelly threw seven shutout innings and Ketel Marte and Nick Ahmed each homered in the eighth inning, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0 over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber limbered up in Guardians gear, Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. began taking grounders and new St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol signed autographs as spring training camps in Florida and Arizona finally opened to big leaguers.

Chris Taylor hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers over the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in a scintillating NL wild-card game.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader, left, celebrates after hitting a solo home run as Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras looks up during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — (AP) — Make it a very sweet 16 for the St. Louis Cardinals. Next up is a three-game series against NL Central champion Milwaukee beginning on Tuesday night in St. Louis. St. Louis jumped in front on another Goldschmidt drive, a massive solo shot to center off Keegan Thompson with one out in the third. Cubs: RHP Alec Mills (6-7, 4.83 ERA) starts Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Pittsburgh.

Make it a very sweet 16 for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals outfielders Lars Nootbaar, right, and Harrison Bader (48) celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs 8-5 in a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Chicago. Bader went 4 for 4 with a home run as the Cardinals beat the Cubs 8-5 Saturday. The Cardinals date their history to 1892, when they were known as the Browns and joined the National League. Stanton also had three hits and a three-run homer Friday night to help the Yankees win the series opener. Freddy Peralta (9-5, 2.65 ERA) faces New York, which has lost four in a row and 12 of 15.

Fresh off setting a franchise record with their 15th straight win, Harrison Bader and the St. Louis Cardinals try to finish off a sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader (48) celebrates with teammate Paul DeJong (11) after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (Paul Beaty)CHICAGO — (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals set a franchise record with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Harrison Bader helped pull off a wild double play Saturday in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. Far back in the playoff race heading into September, St. Louis moved closer to clinching a spot by extending its extraordinary streak. Cardinals lefty Jon Lester allowed three earned runs in five innings in his first start against his former team since he was traded to St. Louis in July. Lester then walked Happ for a 4-2 Cubs lead.

The St. Louis Cardinals set a franchise record with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Harrison Bader helped pull off a wild double play in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Harrison Bader and the St. Louis Cardinals clearly recognize their record is impressive. The Cardinals set a franchise mark with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Bader helped pull off a wild double play Saturday in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs. “It’s hard to do something in this organization that’s never been done,” manager Mike Shildt said.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader celebrates his home run off Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adam Morgan in front of the Chicago Cubs bench during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, in Chicago. St. Louis swept a doubleheader from Chicago on Friday, equaling a 14-game run by the team in July 1935. The winning streak has rocketed the Cardinals into control of the second NL wild card, leading Philadelphia by five games. Left-hander Jon Lester (7-6, 4.59 ERA) is slated to pitch for St. Louis against Chicago right-hander Adrian Sampson (3-3, 2.84). Semien equaled Minnesota’s Brian Dozier (2016) and St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby (1922).

The surging Cardinals will try for a franchise-record 15th consecutive win in a game at Wrigley Field.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader celebrates his home run off Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adam Morgan in front of the Chicago Cubs bench during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, in Chicago. The winning streak has rocketed the Cardinals into control of the second NL wild card, leading Philadelphia by five games. WILD CHASEThe Yankees and Red Sox continue a three-game set at Fenway Park with huge postseason implications. New York beat Boston 8-3 on Friday night to pull within a game of the Red Sox for the top AL wild card. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has allowed two runs and struck out 13 over 9 1/3 innings since missing more than two months with inflammation in his left elbow.

The surging Cardinals will try for a franchise-record 15th consecutive win in a game at Wrigley Field.

The surging St. Louis Cardinals soared to their 13th straight win, using homers by Paul Goldschmidt and Tyler O’Neill to top the Chicago Cubs 8-5 in the opener of a doubleheader.

The surging St. Louis Cardinals emphatically matched a team record with their 14th straight wint, pounding the Chicago Cubs 12-4 in the second game of doubleheader behind Tyler O’Neill’s three-run homer and a pair of solo shots by Lars Nootbaar.

Paul Goldschmidt and Tyler O’Neill homered as the St. Louis Cardinals won their 11th straight game, extending their lead for the second NL wild-card spot and beating the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 10-2.

Cardinals Mets Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Harrison Bader (48) celebrates with Paul Goldschmidt (46) after Goldschmidt hit a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, in New York. They dropped five games behind St. Louis, with three teams in between. St. Louis still hopes the front-line starter (9-2, 3.08 ERA) can offer something in relief at some point this year. St. Louis also will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its 2011 World Series championship this weekend. Mets: RHP Taijuan Walker (7-9, 4.29 ERA) pitches Friday night at Citi Field against ex-Met Zack Wheeler (13-9, 2.86) and the Phillies.

Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado each hit one of St. Louis’ four homers, and the Cardinals flashed some fantastic outfield defense in beating the New York Mets 11-4 for their fifth straight victory.

Adam Wainwright won his fifth straight start in a rare matchup of 40-year-old pitchers, and the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the New York Mets 7-0.

Daniel Vogelbach delivered a pinch-hit grand slam off Alex Reyes to cap a five-run rally in the ninth inning that gave the Milwaukee Brewers a 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mets Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Monday, May 3, 2021, in St. Louis. After the game, the Mets fired hitting coach Chili Davis and assistant hitting coach Tom Slater. Several accomplished hitters are off to slow starts for the Mets, including $341 million newcomer Francisco Lindor. Wainwright (1-3) had been out because of virus contact tracing. Paul DeJong and Tyler O’Neill followed with doubles to put St. Louis ahead.