JAKE ODORIZZI

MIAMI — (AP) — Their sluggish start now far behind them, Ronald Acuña Jr. and the World Series champion Atlanta Braves needed just one more win to complete a most stunning turnaround. They earned it Tuesday night, beating the Miami Marlins 2-1 to take their fifth straight NL East title and finish the first leg of a trek they hope leads them to another crown. With the win, Atlanta earned a first-round bye as the No. “We tried to throw our best guys out there today and extend this thing," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. The Braves did not score off it, even after the Marlins intentionally walked Acuña in the next at bat to load the bases.

William Contreras drove in the go-ahead run in the fifth, and the Atlanta Braves clinched their fifth consecutive NL East title by defeating the Miami Marlins 2-1.

OAKLAND, Calif. — (AP) — When their ace struggled, the Atlanta Braves kept slugging — right back into first place after all these months chasing the Mets. Olson returned to Oakland for the first time since the Braves acquired the slugging first baseman from the A's in March. Marcell Ozuna added a two-run single in the Braves' three-run fifth. STREAKINGThe Braves have won 10 straight against the A's after a two-game sweep in Atlanta from June 7-8. UP NEXTRHP Spencer Strider (9-4, 2.67 ERA) pitches the afternoon series finale Wednesday trying to win his third straight start and fourth consecutive decision.

Matt Olson hit a three-run homer against his former club and the Atlanta Braves won their sixth in a row, outslugging the Oakland Athletics 10-9 and finally catching the slumping Mets atop the NL East.

Atlanta outfielder Marcell Ozuna was booed by his home fans in his return, Kyle Tucker singled to drive in Yordan Alvarez for the go-ahead run in the eighth, José Urquidy won his 12th game, and the Houston Astros beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.

Brett Baty homered his first time up in the big leagues, Starling Marte went deep twice and the New York Mets held off the Braves 9-7 to snap Atlanta’s eight-game winning streak.

What a debut for Brett Baty.

Phillies Braves Baseball Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — Nick Castellanos hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies took full advantage of an overturned call, beating the Atlanta Braves 3-1 on Wednesday. Realmuto grounded into what was ruled an inning-ending double play with the Braves nursing a 1-0 lead. The Braves wasted 6 2/3 scoreless innings by Charlie Morton, who turned in another strong performance by Atlanta's rotation. New York came into the day 2 1/2 games ahead of the World Series champion Braves, who have won four straight NL East titles.

Nick Castellanos hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Philadelphia Phillies took full advantage of an overturned call to beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1.

All four played major roles in the Braves capturing their first World Series title since 1995. Rosario was MVP of the NL Championship Series, while Soler claimed the honor in a World Series victory over the Astros. The deal for Odorizzi cost the Braves another big part of their championship team. Smith had 37 saves for the Braves during the 2021 regular season and a dominant postseason, tossing 11 scoreless innings with six saves over 11 appearances. In his last four appearances with the Braves, Smith surrendered six runs in three innings.

Looking to replicate the deals that helped carry them to a World Series title in 2021, the Atlanta Braves have pulled of a flurry of trades ahead of the deadline.

The World Series champion Atlanta Braves bolstered their starting staff ahead of the trade deadline Tuesday by giving up a reliever who played a big part in their 2021 title. Poised for another postseason run, the Braves dealt former closer Will Smith to the Houston Astros for right-hander Jake Odorizzi, giving Atlanta a sixth starting pitcher for the final two months of the regular season. The move was the biggest of three deadline deals pulled off by general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who on Monday gave up minor leaguers for corner outfielder Robbie Grossman from Detroit and infielder Ehire Adrianza from Washington.

Abraham Toro pinch-hit for injured All-Star Julio Rodriguez and delivered a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied past the AL-West leading Houston Astros 5-4.

REELING RED SOXXander Bogaerts and the ailing Red Sox have lost five in a row as they begin a four-game series against Cleveland at Fenway Park. “The brand of baseball we’re playing is awful,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. And we can turn around quick, and it starts tomorrow.”The Red Sox are just a half-game out of last place in the AL East. Right-hander Zach Plesac (2-7, 4.02 ERA) starts the opener for the Guardians. FAMILIAR FOEAstros right-hander Jake Odorizzi pitches the opener against Oakland at the Coliseum — it'll be his third straight start versus the Athletics.

Washington star Juan Soto is sure to get asked about his near future during a three-game series at Dodger Stadium that starts Monday night.

REELING RED SOXXander Bogaerts and the ailing Red Sox have lost five in a row as they begin a four-game series against Cleveland at Fenway Park. “The brand of baseball we’re playing is awful,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. And we can turn around quick, and it starts tomorrow.”The Red Sox are just a half-game out of last place in the AL East. Right-hander Zach Plesac (2-7, 4.02 ERA) starts the opener for the Guardians. FAMILIAR FOEAstros right-hander Jake Odorizzi pitches the opener against Oakland at the Coliseum — it'll be his third straight start vs. the Athletics.

Justin Verlander struck out 10 in six scoreless innings to post his MLB-leading 12th win as the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 5-0.

Ryan Mountcastle, Trey Mancini and the surprising Baltimore Orioles try for their eighth straight win, which would match their best streak in 17 years. The last time the O's won eight in a row was 2005 with a team that included Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa. Orioles right-hander Austin Voth (0-1, 7.20), claimed on waivers from Washington last month, starts against lefty José Suarez (1-2, 4.30 ERA). THE FOUR-A’S CLUBThe Oakland Athletics have gotten exactly four hits in four straight games, and have managed to win two of them. A’s lefty Cole Irvin (3-6, 3.55) has one win in nine starts since coming off the injured list on May 22.

Ryan Mountcastle, Trey Mancini and the surprising Baltimore Orioles try on Sunday for their eighth straight win, which would match their best streak in 17 years.

Marlins Astros Baseball Miami Marlins starting pitcher Braxton Garrett throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Houston. Garrett (1-1) yielded six hits and an unearned run with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for the win in his second start this season. The Marlins scored three runs in the second inning with the help of a costly error by rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña. Jesús Aguilar, who homered twice Friday night, singled to open the second inning and advanced to second on a groundout by Miguel Rojas. Houston cut the lead to 4-1 when Peña scored on a two-out double by Jose Altuve.

The Miami Marlins got a solid start from rookie Braxton Garrett and Jon Berti drove in two runs to help them extend their winning streak to five games with a 5-1 victory over the Houston Astros.

Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 in seven sparkling innings, Yordan Alvarez hit a two-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-1.

Cardinals Mets Baseball New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer reacts during St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols' at-bat during the sixth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in New York. STRO’S A GOMarcus Stroman (1-3, 5.13 ERA) is set to come off the COVID-19 injured list and start for the Cubs against Arizona. He collapsed after throwing a pitch and taking a step toward first on a ground ball and was stretchered off. “I think although it’s not in the same division, we almost felt like it was always a rivalry. ... Those are great memories that you’re obviously going to take with you.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Mets ace Max Scherzer is scheduled for an MRI a day after pulling himself from a start with discomfort in his left side.

Rays Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Chicago. He’ll oppose Zac Gallen (2-0, 1.05) in the opener of a four-game series at Wrigley Field. Gallen held Chicago to two hits and a run over six innings in his previous start Saturday. “Obviously, a great history going back and forth with the Cardinals, coming though here,” Pujols said. ... Those are great memories that you’re obviously going to take with you.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Marcus Stroman is set to come off the COVID-19 injured list and start for the Cubs against Arizona.

Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros' Kyle Tucker (30) is congratulated by Yordan Alvarez (44) and Yuli Gurriel, left, after his grand slam during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Boston. José Urquidy (3-1) allowed 12 hits and four runs, including home runs to Rafael Devers and J.D. It seemed like it would be a much different night for the Red Sox after Eovaldi needed just five pitches to get Houston out in order in the first inning. BAD COMPANYAccording to MLB.com, since 1974 when inning-by-inning data started, no Red Sox pitcher had given up more than three homers in an inning. Red Sox: RHP Nick Pivetta (1-4, 5.08) has a 2.45 ERA in his last four starts after posting a 10.03 ERA in his first three outings.

The Astros tied the MLB record for most home runs in an inning, hitting five off Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi as part of a nine-run second to help Houston rout Boston 13-4.

Rays Angels Baseball Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers (48) throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The 22-year-old left-hander pitched his gem in a 12-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on May 10 in just his 11th big league start. “Just trying to push it off to the side as much as I can and just go about my business. Miles Mikolas (3-1, 1.49 ERA) and left Steven Matz (3-3, 6.40) start for St. Louis. After making his major league debut last Oct. 3, Adon enters Tuesday's start at the Miami Marlins tied for the major league lead in losses, going 1-6 with a 7.03 ERA.

Reid Detmers has a chance to match Johnny Vander Meer’s feat of consecutive no-hitters when he starts for the Los Angeles Angels at the Texas Rangers.

Astros Red Sox Baseball Houston Astros' Jake Odorizzi winds up for a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne)BOSTON — (AP) — Houston Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi collapsed running to cover first base in the fifth inning Monday night against the Boston Red Sox and was taken off the Fenway Park field on a stretcher. Odorizzi, who entered the game with a 15 2/3 inning shutout streak, appeared to twist his left leg awkwardly on the delivery to Kiké Hernandez. When he turned to cover first base, he took a step and then sprawled out, face down, on the grass. The Red Sox led 2-1 when he left the game.

Houston Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi collapsed with a leg injury while running to cover first base in the fifth inning Monday night against the Boston Red Sox and was taken off the Fenway Park field on a stretcher.

Houston Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi collapsed running to cover first base in the fifth inning Monday night against the Boston Red Sox and was taken off the Fenway Park field on a stretcher. Odorizzi, who entered the game with a 15 2/3 inning shutout streak, appeared to twist his left leg awkwardly on the delivery to Kiké Hernandez. Odorizzi was 3-2 with a 3.13 ERA this season.

Two-way star Shohei Ohtani pitched perfect ball into the sixth inning, tied a career-best with 12 strikeouts and also had two hits and two RBIs to lead the Los Angeles Angels over the Houston Astros 6-0.

Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to pitch Wednesday night for the Los Angeles Angels in Houston, and the two-way superstar is off to a much better start at the plate than on the mound this season.

Framber Valdez outpitched Shohei Ohtani with 6 2/3 dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the Houston Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Drew Smyly celebrates after a double during the sixth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run. While four batters led off the bottom of the first of a World Series opener with a home run, Soler became the first in 117 World Series to homer starting the top of the first of an opener. 3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for the opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Luke Jackson throws during the sixth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):10 p.m.Luke Jackson relieved A.J. Minter and threw a scoreless sixth inning, leaving the Atlanta Braves with a 5-1 lead over the Houston Astros in the World Series opener. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. ___7:30 p.m.Atlanta’s Jorge Soler has become the first batter ever to lead off a World Series with a home run.

Rookie Luis García will start for the Houston Astros against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.

Houston’s 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.

The Dodgers are ready to start ace Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, a day after manager Dave Roberts scratched the veteran right-hander to get him an extra day of rest.

ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Boston Red Sox's J.D. Martinez celebrates his grand slam against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Houston. Martinez and Rafael Devers helped the Red Sox have a grand old time in Houston. Red Sox starter Nathan Eovaldi permitted five hits and three runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Red Sox have yet to name their starter.

The Boston Red Sox became the first team to slug two grand slams in a postseason game, with J.

The Boston Red Sox became the first team with two grand slams in a postseason game in Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros.

Dodgers ace Max Scherzer got the last three outs in the thrilling Game 5 of the NL Divsion Series and is now lined up to throw the first pitch for Los Angeles in the NL Championship Series.

ALDS Astros White Sox Baseball Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning during Game 4 of a baseball American League Division Series Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Chicago. McCullers was great in a Game 1 win against the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series, pitching scoreless ball into the seventh. But the right-hander left Game 4 after four innings because of forearm tightness, and general manager James Click said Thursday that he was being evaluated as they made final decisions on their roster. Replacing him on the roster is right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who was left off the division series roster after a disappointing first season in Houston. The Red Sox retained the same roster from the ALDS except for replacing pitchers Matt Barnes and Austin Davis with left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez and right-hander Hirokazu Sawamura.

Astros ace Lance McCullers Jr. has been left off the team’s roster for the AL Championship Series against Boston, a huge blow to a team looking to advance to the World Series for the second time in three seasons.

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.

Jose Altuve hit a two-run double in the 12th inning and the Houston Astros, after throwing out Shohei Ohtani at the plate to preserve a tie, broke away to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 9-5.

All-Star slugger Adolis García 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.

Astros Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer takes a curtain call during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (Alex Gallardo)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Max Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Wednesday night, capping a contentious two-game series. Mookie Betts homered twice, while Will Smith and AJ Pollock also went deep off Astros starter Jake Odorizzi (4-6). It was the 19th allowed by Scherzer this season and the fourth that came in the first inning. With runners on first and second, Smith made the Astros pay for the mistake with a three-run homer to right-center.

Max Scherzer struck out 10 in his Dodgers debut and got plenty of offensive support as Los Angeles hit four home runs to defeat the Houston Astros 7-5, capping a contentious two-game series at Dodger Stadium.

Lance McCullers Jr. threw 6 2/3 shutout innings and the Houston Astros withstood the raucous, heckling fans at Dodger Stadium to blank Los Angeles 3-0.

Astros White Sox Baseball Chicago White Sox's Jose Abreu, right, celebrates with third base coach Joe McEwing after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning of the team's baseball game against the Houston Astros in Chicago, Saturday, July 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh)CHICAGO — (AP) — Lucas Giolito pitched a three-hitter, José Abreu launched a three-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 10-1 on Saturday night. STAYING ON THE SOUTH SIDEThe White Sox and All-Star right-hander Lance Lynn agreed to a $38 million, two-year contract extension. The White Sox have an $18 million option for 2024 with a $1 million buyout. White Sox: Manager Tony La Russa said RHP Evan Marshall (strained right elbow) has resumed throwing the ball, but not off the mound or in the bullpen.

Lucas Giolito pitched a three-hitter, José Abreu launched a three-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros 10-1.

Mets Pirates Baseball New York Mets' Francisco Lindor grounds out in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Friday, July 16, 2021. In his first season with the Mets after being acquired from Cleveland in a January trade, Lindor is hitting .228 with 11 home runs in 88 games. New York is also minus first baseman Luke Voit, who went on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee. Atlanta acquired Pederson from the Chicago Cubs on Thursday for minor league first baseman Bryce Ball. Charlie Barnes makes his major league debut in Game 1 for the Twins, and Kenta Maeda (4-3, 4.66) is set for Game 2.

The first-place Mets are waiting for news on Francisco Lindor, who left Friday night’s 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh with soreness on his right side.

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.

Astros Orioles Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, June 21, 2021, in Baltimore. Astros starter Jake Odorizzi and reliever Cristian Javier held the Orioles without a hit through seven innings. Houston was looking to pitch the seventh no-hitter in the majors this season. Houston has one other no-hitter since then — Justin Verlander's against Toronto on Sept. 1 of that same year. The most recent no-hitter against the Orioles was by Seattle's Hisashi Iwakuma on Aug. 12, 2015.

Astros Orioles Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, June 21, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez)BALTIMORE — (AP) — The Houston Astros have held Baltimore without a hit through seven innings Monday night, with Jake Odorizzi pitching the first five and the bullpen trying to complete a combined no-hitter. Ryan Mountcastle's seventh-inning liner was hit right at Astros center fielder Myles Straw. Houston was looking to pitch the seventh no-hitter in the majors this season. It would be the first combined no-hitter of the season.

Maikel Franco hit a two-run homer with one out in the eighth inning, denying the Houston Astros in their attempt to throw a combined no-hitter at Baltimore.

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.

Dodgers Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) (Eric Christian Smith)HOUSTON — (AP) — Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and the Houston Astros stopped a four-game slide by topping Trevor Bauer and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Wednesday night. ... Roberts said utility player Zach McKinstry, out since April 22 with an oblique strain, could come off the injured list this weekend. Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sunday, with soreness in his right shoulder. Astros: Houston is off on Thursday before starting a three-game interleague series with the San Diego Padres on Friday night with Valdez on the mound.

Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and the Houston Astros stopped a four-game slide by topping Trevor Bauer and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2.

Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 in an impressive duel with Lance McCullers Jr., and the Houston Astros broke loose against the Angels’ bullpen to beat Los Angeles 5-1.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Jared Walsh had another big game Monday night in what has become his breakout season with the Los Angeles Angels. Walsh also doubled and had two RBIs as the Angels got their third win in four games. Upton followed with his shot, which hit on the wall above the seats in left field, to cut the lead to 4-3 and end Garcia’s night. Michael Brantley made it 3-0 with his RBI double to the corner of left field. Straw’s double to left field scored Correa to make it 4-1.

Jared Walsh homered and matched a career high with four hits, Justin Upton also connected and the Los Angeles Angels rallied in the sixth inning to beat the Houston Astros 5-4.

José Altuve responded to jeering fans by marking his 31st birthday with a go-ahead, three-run homer off Chad Green in the eighth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the New York Yankees 7-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.

Houston Astros starter Jake Odorizzi has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained muscle in his right arm and second baseman José Altuve has been activated after a bout with COVID-19.

Shohei Ohtani’s tiebreaking solo home run in the eighth inning helped the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros to snap a four-game skid.

Oakland tries for its 14th consecutive victory when the Athletics play Baltimore at Camden Yards.

Oakland tries for its 14th consecutive victory when the Athletics play Baltimore at Camden Yards.

Kent Emanuel worked 8 2/3 innings in relief in his major league debut, saving Houston’s bullpen after Jake Odorizzi left early with an injury, and the Astros routed the Los Angeles Angels 16-2.

The average major league salary dropped nearly 5% to more than $4.1 million on opening day from the start of the previous full season in 2019.

The Red Sox and Twins are scheduled to begin their series in Minnesota a day late.

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2020, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher J.A. The Minnesota Twins and Happ agreed Wednesday, Jan. 20, to a one-year, $8 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The 38-year-old Happ spent the past 2 1/3 seasons with the New York Yankees. Minnesota was third in the AL in 2020 with a team ERA of 3.58. Happ went 12-8 in 2019 and struggled at the start of the pandemic-delayed 2020 season, prompting the Yankees to skip his turn.