JOSE ALTUVE

Major League Baseball’s postseason has a little more heft this year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan was pulled in the fifth inning with neck tightness during a 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. McClanahan (12-6) was making his second start after returning from the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder impingement. McClanahan walked Jose Altuve leading off the fifth, then threw three straight balls to Jeremy Peña. Peña hit a three-run homer, Altuve scored three runs and the Astros won for the ninth time in 10 games a day after clinching the AL West championship. Peña's 19th homer came in the third inning after Altuve's second hit, putting the Astros up 4-0.

Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan was pulled in the fifth inning with neck tightness during a 5-0 loss to the Houston Astros.

The Houston Astros clinched another American League West division title, this time with a shutout victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bays on Monday night. Headed to the postseason for the sixth straight season, Houston won for the eighth time in nine games and improved the AL's best record to 97-51. Luis Garcia (13-8) won his fifth straight decision, giving up two hits and four walks in five innings while striking out four. Hunter Brown pitched three innings and Héctor Neris finished the five-hitter, the Astros 16th shutout this season. Altuve’ hit his 25th homer on the fifth pitch of the game, his 11th leadoff homer this season and 32nd of his career.

The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mike Trout homered in his sixth straight game to set an Angels franchise record, Shohei Ohtani threw five solid innings before exiting because of a blister and Los Angeles beat the Houston Astros 6-1.

Justin Verlander was pulled after pitching six no-hit innings in his major league-leading 16th win and the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in Carlos Correa’s return to Houston.

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.

Alex Bregman hit two homers and two doubles, driving in a career-high six runs and powering the Houston Astros past the Chicago White Sox 21-5.

Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez hits a sacrifice fly to score Jose Altuve during the third inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez doesn't need any help at the plate. The All-Star got it anyway Wednesday in Houston's 6-1 win over the Boston Red Sox when he wasn't called out after a third strike. After that, home plate umpire Jim Wolf called strike one, and Alvarez fouled off a pitch for strike two. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was not asked about the play.

Houston slugger Yordan Alvarez was not called out after a third strike in a win over the Boston Red Sox.

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.

Justin Verlander became the major leagues’ first 13-game winner, striking out nine and topping 99 mph in his final inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners 3-1.

Astros Mariners Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez reacts as he rounds the bases after he hit a solo home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Friday, July 22, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE — (AP) — The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners' winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory Friday night. The club was one win shy of matching the 2001 Mariners for the longest winning streak in franchise history. Ty France hit a solo homer for Seattle in the sixth inning against Jose Urquidy (9-4). J-ROD SITSThe 21-year-old Rodríguez was pulled from the lineup days after a breakout show at the All-Star Home Run Derby.

The Houston Astros ended the Seattle Mariners’ winning streak at 14 games, with Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez homering in a 5-2 victory.

Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton homered back-to-back in the fourth inning to rally the American League over the National League 3-2 in the All-Star Game.

White Sox Guardians Baseball Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks reacts after striking out Cleveland Guardians' Nolan Jones during the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in Cleveland. The White Sox won 2-1. (AP Photo/David Dermer) (David Dermer)NEW YORK — (AP) — Houston's Justin Verlander, the Yankees' Gerrit Cole and Atlanta's Max Fried won't be active for the All-Star Game after weekend starts. Relievers Liam Hendriks of the Chicago White Sox, Jordan Romano of Toronto and Devin Williams of Milwaukee replaced them on the active rosters for Tuesday's game at Dodger Stadium, Major League Baseball said Sunday. About a dozen players have changed from the original rosters announced July 6 and 8.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout will miss the All-Star Game because of back spasms, joining Bryce Harper on the sidelines and depriving the showcase of two of baseball’s best-known players.

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.

Dodgers Cardinals Baseball St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodón, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodón isn't playing in the All-Star Game; he was originally added to the roster on July 12 in place of Milwaukee closer Josh Hader. Warren Mayes in St. Louis and Santos Perez in Miami also contributed to this report.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodón and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. MLB announced Saturday that Altuve is being replaced in the starting lineup by Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez, who is making his first appearance. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodón isn't playing in the All-Star Game; he was originally added to the roster on July 12 in place of Milwaukee closer Josh Hader. Arenado, a seven-time All-Star, said Saturday that he's had lower back soreness for three to four weeks, that MRIs found nothing and that he'll take the All-Star break to rest.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Anderson is taking the place of Rodon on the NL roster, LA said in a news release. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodon isn't playing in the All-Star Game. Arenado, a seven-time All-Star, said Saturday that he's had lower back soreness for three to four weeks, that MRIs found nothing and that he'll take the All-Star break to rest.

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane) (Ron Schwane)Houston second baseman Jose Altuve and San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon won't be playing in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. MLB announced Saturday that Altuve is being replaced in the starting lineup by Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez, who is making his first appearance. Meanwhile, Dodgers pitcher Tyler Anderson is taking the place of Rodon on the NL roster, LA said in a news release. It wasn't immediately clear why Rodon isn't playing in the All-Star Game.

Astros Angels Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve grimaces after being hit by a pitch during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Thursday, July 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (Alex Gallardo)CLEVELAND — (AP) — Houston second baseman Jose Altuve won't play in Tuesday's All-Star Game after being hit by a pitch and will be replaced by Cleveland's Andrés Giménez, who will now start in his first appearance. Altuve was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. He was kept out of the lineup Friday night and Major League Baseball announced Saturday the eight-time All-Star will not participate in the game at Dodger Stadium. Giménez will take Altuve's spot in the starting lineup.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodón, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado and Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr won’t be playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve and San Francisco Giants pitcher Carlos Rodon won't be playing in Tuesday's All-Star Game. Altuve, an eight-time All-Star who was selected as a starter in fan voting, was struck on the left knee leading off Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. MLB announced Saturday that Altuve is being replaced in the starting lineup by Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez, who is making his first appearance.

Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani repeated as a two-way All-Star when he was picked for the AL pitching staff, two days after he was elected to start at designated hitter.

Los Angeles will be well represented in the July 19 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (Lynne Sladky)Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were elected Friday to start in the July 19 All-Star Game along with outfielders Mookie Betts and Trea Turner of the host Dodgers. Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk and Miami second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. were voted to start as first-time All-Stars, finishing atop their positions in the second round of fan voting. The AL starting lineup includes Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, Boston third baseman Rafael Devers and Kirk behind the plate. Giancarlo Stanton of the Yankees joined Judge and Trout in the outfield, while Ohtani was voted in as designated hitter. Goldschmidt earned a $250,000 bonus for his selection, Altuve, Harper, Stanton and Trout get $50,000 each, and Anderson receives $25,000.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels were elected Friday to start in the July 19 All-Star Game along with outfielders Mookie Betts and Trea Turner of the host Dodgers.

Justin Verlander got his MLB-leading 11th win, Yordan Alvarez hit his 26th homer and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 to take the series 3-1.

Angels star Mike Trout finished 0 for 11 with nine strikeouts in a three-game series and Los Angeles hitters fanned 20 times overall in a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros.

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. were elected Thursday to start in the July 20 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium.

Justin Verlander pitched two-hit ball for eight innings, light-hitting backup catcher Jason Castro lined a two-run homer in the ninth and the Houston Astros beat the Mets 2-0 to send New York to its first three-game losing streak this season.

Houston Astros starter José Urquidy has thrown six hitless innings against the Yankees, a day after teammate Cristian Javier and two relivers combined on a no-hitter against baseball’s top team.

Cristian Javier, Héctor Neris and Ryan Pressly combined on the first no-hitter against the New York Yankees in 19 years, shutting down the best team in baseball and pitching the Houston Astros to a 3-0 victory.

Justin Verlander pitched four-hit ball over seven innings, Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer and the Houston Astros beat the Yankees 3-1 to stop New York’s 15-game home winning streak.

Aaron Judge lined a game-winning single on the eve of his salary arbitration showdown, capping a four-run ninth inning that included Aaron Hicks’ tying three-run homer off closer Ryan Pressly in the New York Yankees’ 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros.

Astros starter Luis Garcia and reliever Phil Maton each threw an immaculate inning — nine pitches, three strikeouts — and Martín Maldonado keyed a six-run first inning that sent Houston over the Texas Rangers 9-2.

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.

Mariners manager Scott Servais was ejected for his role in a benches-clearing scuffle in the ninth inning of Seattle’s 7-4 win over the Houston Astros, a game in which Cal Raleigh had a career-high four RBIs and Julio Rodriguez hit a late two-run shot.

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.

Yadiel Hernandez and Maikel Franco homered and the Washington Nationals ended the Houston Astros’ 11-game winning streak with a 13-6 romp.

Astros Nationals Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates after his home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Washington. Altuve homered on the first pitch of the game Friday night as the Astros won their 11th in a row, beating Washington 6-1. Houston, which began play in 1962 as a National League expansion team called the Colt .45s, has won 12 straight three times — in 1999, 2004 and 2018. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter. AILING ACEDodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he's gone on the injured list.

Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros try for their 12th straight win Saturday, which would tie the team record.

Justin Verlander missed out on his fourth no-hitter by five outs but still faced the minimum through eight innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 5-0 for their eighth straight win.

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Braves Mets Baseball New York Mets manager Buck Showalter watches his team play during the eighth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in New York. The next day, López (three games) and Mets manager Buck Showalter (one game) were handed suspensions by Major League Baseball. Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00) makes his third start of the season for the Mets — all against Philadelphia. Houston hopes star second baseman Jose Altuve is feeling better after fouling a ball off his groin area during Wednesday’s win over Seattle. Ohtani was held out of the lineup Monday against Boston but started as the designated hitter Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Mets and Phillies renew hostilities in Philadelphia only four days after their previous matchup at Citi Field, which got a little testy at the end.

Kyle Tucker hit a tiebreaking pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning and the Houston Astros beat the Texas Rangers 3-2.

(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio)Miguel Cabrera reached the 3,000-hit mark on a weekend afternoon in front of an adoring crowd at his home ballpark. In an era of high strikeout totals and low batting averages, there aren't any other players who seem likely to reach 3,000 hits any time soon. Among active players, the next man on the career hits list is Robinson Canó with 2,631. Part of what helped Cabrera to the milestone was that he reached the big leagues at age 20. He has 103 hits in his first 85 games, but even if Franco goes on to have a Hall of Fame career, it'll obviously be a while before has a chance to threaten a milestone like 3,000 hits.

Yankees Tigers Baseball Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Cabrera added three more hits to his total Wednesday night in a 5-3 loss to the Yankees. Cabrera is on deck to become the 33rd major leaguer with 3,000 hits, and the first player from Venezuela to achieve the feat. The 39-year-old Cabrera gets his next chance when Yankees lefty Jordan Montgomery faces Detroit in an afternoon matchup. START HIM UPHard-throwing Jordan Hicks is set to make his first big league start after 114 relief appearances for the Cardinals.

Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera needs one more hit for 3,000 in his career, and will try to reach the mark at Comerica Park.

Yankees Tigers Baseball Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles against the New York Yankees in the second inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Cabrera is on deck to become the 33rd major leaguer with 3,000 hits, and the first player from Venezuela to achieve the feat. The 39-year-old Cabrera gets his next chance when Yankees lefty Jordan Montgomery faces Detroit in an afternoon matchup. START HIM UPHard-throwing Jordan Hicks is set to make his first big league start after 114 relief appearances for the Cardinals. Hicks initially will have limited innings and pitches as he adapts to his new role, beginning with this start at Miami.

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.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve reacts after legging out an infield single in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels, Monday, April 18, 2022, in Houston. (Kevin M. Cox/The Galveston County Daily News via AP) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a strained left hamstring. The Astros hoped to avoid placing Altuve on the injured list but did so Wednesday after deciding that he likely will need more than a week to recover. But that’s kind of guy he is.”Baker said the Astros would split time at second base between Aledmys Díaz and Niko Goodrum while Altuve is out. The Astros selected the contract of infielder J.J. Matijevic from Sugar Land of the Pacific Coast League and transferred infielder Taylor Jones to the 60-day injured list to make room for Matijevic on the 40-man roster.

Diamondbacks Mets Baseball The Ukrainian flag is display in solidarity during opening ceremonies before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Friday, April 15, 2022, in New York. There were 31 scheduled doubleheaders on the calendar when the lockout-delayed season began, but these first two twinbills were added because of weather. Arizona's game at Washington and San Francisco's game at the New York Mets were postponed Monday because of rain. The Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox played the most recent twinbill of nine-inning games on the penultimate day of the 2019 season. In 10 games this season, New York has scored 6, 4, 3, 0, 4, 4, 3, 1, 5 and 0 runs.

Tuesday’s baseball schedule will feature two doubleheaders — the first in the majors this season and the first twinbills of nine-inning games since Sept. 28, 2019.

Angels Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates with Jose Altuve after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, April 18, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Houston second baseman Jose Altuve left Monday night's 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning with a strained left hamstring. Altuve legged out an infield single with one out in the eighth and then fell to the ground past first base. He sat on the ground and threw his batting helmet into the ground as he winced in pain. Altuve said he would have tests done, but wasn't sure exactly what those would be.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve left Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth inning with a strained left hamstring.

Justin Verlander pitched three-hit ball over eight innings for his first win since July 2020 and the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 4-0.

The Houston Astros are celebrating their home city's connection to space exploration with a new uniform inspired by NASA's astronaut wear and materials. The team debuted their "Space City" uniforms.

There are no more bargaining sessions on the calendar.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa email after their win in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Atlanta. Atlanta’s 7-0 win over the Astros to win the World Series on Tuesday night could mark the end of an era in Houston. Houston reached the World Series in three of the last five years and advanced to the ALCS in each of the last five seasons. The Astros made the trip to the World Series this year after coming one game shy of advancing to the Fall Classic last season. While losing Correa would certainly be a blow to the team, the Astros have plenty of stars who will be back next year, led by Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez.

Atlanta’s 7-0 victory over Houston in Game 6 to win the World Series could mark the end of an era for the Astros.

The Atlanta Braves have won their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried throws during the first inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series (all times local):7:30 p.m. The Houston Astros stranded runners at second and third base in the first inning of World Series Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried. ___3:10 p.m.Alex Bregman remained seventh in the Houston Astros’ batting order and Carlos Correa third for World Series Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night. ___2:45 p.m.Major League Baseball planned to have the retractable roof open at Minute Maid Park for Game 6 of the World Series.

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates his RBI single during the eighth inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. Trailing 3-1 in the Series, Houston is six outs from forcing a Game 6 back home on Tuesday night. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

Trailing 3-1 in the Series, Houston is six outs from forcing a Game 6 back home on Tuesday night. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. ___9 p.m.Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros answered quickly in the second inning, scoring twice to trim their deficit to 4-2 against Atlanta. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh. Bregman is 1 for 14 in the World Series, and Houston trails Atlanta three games to one.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Martin Maldonado celebrates after his RBI-single during the seventh inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 5 of the World Series (all times local):11: p.m. The Braves are running out of at-bats to regain the lead and close out this World Series with a victory at home. Alvarez, the ALCS MVP, is 0 for 4 Sunday and 1 for 15 in the World Series. Greinke became the first pitcher with a pinch hit in the World Series since Jack Bentley had two of them in 1923. The Houston Astros have reworked their lineup for Game 5, dropping the slumping Alex Bregman from his usual third spot to seventh.

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Carlos Correa had three hits, Martin Maldonado found three different ways to drive in runs and pinch-hitter Marwin Gonzalez blooped a tiebreaking, two-run single in the fifth inning to lead the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 9-5 and cut their World Series deficit to three games to two.

There are plenty of stars at this World Series, from Freddie Freeman to Jose Altuve.

Matthew Kaminski had intended to play a Grateful Dead song as the walk-up music for Houston's starting pitcher at the World Series. Then, after getting a glimpse of the rookie pitcher's unique wind-up against the hometown Atlanta Braves, Kaminski was suddenly stricken with a bit of inspiration. As the Astros' Garcia strolled to the plate in Game 3, Kaminski broke into a playful version of “Rock-A-Bye-Baby” — the perfect musical accompaniment for a rookie right-hander whose extended wind-up has been compared to someone rocking a child.

World Series Baseball Fans cheer after Houston Astros' Michael Brantley strikes out for the last out during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — Time and time again, the Houston Astros clogged the bases. But a big hit once again eluded the Astros and they fell to Atlanta 3-2 in Game 4 of the World Series, leaving them one loss from elimination. Bases loaded, runners at the corners, second and third — no matter the situation, the result didn’t change. And just like that, the solidly favored Astros can get knocked out in Game 5 Sunday night.

Time and time again, the Houston Astros put runners on base.

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson celebrates a home run during the seventh inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. It was the first time in franchise history the Braves hit back-to-back homers in the World Series. ___8:08 p.m.Truist Park is filled and Braves fans are ready to rock for Game 4 of the World Series. Backup catcher Jason Castro was dropped from the Houston Astros' World Series roster before Game 4 because of Major League Baseball's COVID-19 protocols. The tarp is on the field at Truist Park as a light rain falls before Game 4 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryne Stanek throws during the fifth inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. ___9:45 p.m.Jose Altuve led off the fourth inning with a long homer to boost the Houston Astros’ lead to 2-0. It was Altuve’s second homer of the World Series and helped the Astros move closer to tying the Series at two games apiece. Lee relieved with two on and no outs in the sixth inning of World Series Game 2 on Wednesday and threw 13 pitches to five batters. The tarp is on the field at Truist Park as a light rain falls before Game 4 of the World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve watches his home run during the fourth inning in Game 4 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 4 of the World Series (all times local):9:45 p.m.Jose Altuve led off the fourth inning with a long homer to boost the Houston Astros’ lead to 2-0. It was Altuve’s second homer of the World Series and helped the Astros move closer to tying the Series at two games apiece. The Houston Astros keep missing chances to pad their lead, and cling to a 1-0 edge over Atlanta after three innings. Backup catcher Jason Castro was dropped from the Houston Astros' World Series roster before Game 4 because of Major League Baseball's COVID-19 protocols.

Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler hit back-to-back homers in the seventh inning, propelling the Atlanta Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a three games to one lead in the World Series. The Braves can wrap up the title on their home field, just as they did two stadiums ago when they beat the Cleveland Indians in 1995. Swanson’s one-out drive made it 2-all and Soler followed with a liner to left field off reliever Cristian Javier.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve reacts after striking out during the third inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. Greeted by chants of “Cheater!” all night, the Astros stars went almost silent in Game 3 of the World Series. The greater concern for the Astros: When will their big hitters break loose? You have to in this game," Bregman said. More likely, it was the matchup — not a single Houston hitter in the lineup had ever faced Braves starter Ian Anderson.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Travis d'Arnaud celebrates his home run with Dansby Swanson during the eighth inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 3 of the World Series (all times local):11:36 p.m. The Atlanta Braves made a pitching change, but their no-hitter in Game 3 of the World Series remains intact after six innings. Atlanta is going for its first home World Series win since a Game 6 victory over Cleveland in 1995. It will be the first Series game at the ballpark, which opened in 2017 and replaced Turner Field.

The Braves added onto their slim advantage in the eighth when Travis d’Arnaud clubbed his second homer of the World Series. The Atlanta Braves made a pitching change, but their no-hitter in Game 3 of the World Series remains intact after six innings. The first World Series Game in Atlanta since 1999 is scheduled to start at 8:09 p.m. It will be the first Series game at the ballpark, which opened in 2017 and replaced Turner Field. The Atlanta Braves host Houston on Friday night at Truist Park with the matchup tied at one game apiece.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley hits a RBI-double during the third inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. In the first World Series game in Atlanta since 1999, Anderson walked two in the first and retired the side in order in the second. On a cool, dreary night in Atlanta, Braves starter Ian Anderson worked around two walks in the top half of the first. ___5 p.m.Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton has had surgery to repair the fractured right fibula sustained in the World Series opener. The Atlanta Braves host Houston on Friday night at Truist Park with the matchup tied at one game apiece.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley hits a RBI-double during the third inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. In the first World Series game in Atlanta since 1999, Anderson walked two in the first and retired the side in order in the second. On a cool, dreary night in Atlanta, Braves starter Ian Anderson worked around two walks in the top half of the first. ___5 p.m.Atlanta Braves pitcher Charlie Morton has had surgery to repair the fractured right fibula sustained in the World Series opener. The Atlanta Braves host Houston on Friday night at Truist Park with the matchup tied at one game apiece.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson throws during the first inning in Game 3 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 3 of the World Series (all times local):8:35 p.m. Finally, a scoreless first inning in the World Series. On a cool, dreary night in Atlanta, Braves starter Ian Anderson worked around two walks in the top half of the first. The Atlanta Braves host Houston on Friday night at Truist Park with the matchup tied at one game apiece.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros Jose Altuve, right, is high-fived by Yordan Alvarez after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Alex Bregman in the bottom of the first inning during Game 2 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at Minute Maid Park. (Kevin M. Cox/The Galveston County Daily News via AP) (Kevin M. Cox)ATLANTA — (AP) — Houston's 7-2 win over Atlanta in World Series Game 2 drew 10,539,000 viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and Fox streaming apps. The game was seen by an average of 10,280,000 on Fox, up 13% from 9,105,000 for Tampa Bay's 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game last year, which set a record low for the World Series. Wednesday's game drew 186,741 streams, Fox said Thursday. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried leaves the game during the sixth inning in Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay)HOUSTON — (AP) — Max Fried was pitching like the lefty ace he has been most of this season for the Atlanta Braves, retiring 10 batters in a row in his first World Series start. The only problem was that it came after a horrendous four-run second inning that put the Houston Astros ahead to stay, and sent Fried to his second consecutive loss at a time when the Braves really need him the most. Overall, it was another postseason dud for Fried. That was the first time since June 1 that Fried didn't make it past the fifth inning.

APTOPIX World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Siri celebrates past Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried on a throwing error during the second inning in Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. It’s the first time they’ve won a World Series game in Houston since a 13-12 victory over the Dodgers in 10 innings in Game 5 on Oct. 29, 2017. Stuck in the minors since 2013, the excitable 26-year-old outfielder is now a World Siri. Their five hits in that inning tied the most they’ve ever had in an inning in the World Series. It matched their output from the second inning of Game 3 of the 2017 World Series.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve hits a home run during the seventh inning in Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (Sue Ogrocki)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 2 of the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros (all times local):10:20 p.m. ___7:35 p.m.José Altuve has helped give the Houston Astros their first lead of the World Series. The Houston Astros are starting José Siri in center field instead of Chas McCormick for Game 2 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. But he got a chance to contribute in the ALCS and in the World Series with Meyers out with a shoulder injury.

World Series Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve hits a home run during the seventh inning in Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. ___7:35 p.m.José Altuve has helped give the Houston Astros their first lead of the World Series. Morton’s right fibula was broken by a 102 mph drive off the bat of Houston’s Yuli Gurriel in the World Series opener. The Houston Astros are starting José Siri in center field instead of Chas McCormick for Game 2 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. But he got a chance to contribute in the ALCS and in the World Series with Meyers out with a shoulder injury.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton is helped off the field during the third 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) — Charlie Morton spun a curveball past Jose Altuve for a called third strike, his 16th pitch after taking a 102 mph comebacker off his right leg. By the time Morton faced Altuve leading off the third with a 5-0 lead, the leg had started to swell. Morton’s World Series was over soon after it started. Morton pitched the final four innings and got the win for Houston in its Game 7 victory at the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson scores past Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro on a sacrifice fly during the eighth inning of Game 1 in baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. The Braves are three outs away from a 1-0 World Series advantage, leading 6-2 after eight innings in Game 1. Braves starter Charlie Morton, who won Game 7 of the 2017 World Series for the Astros, also struggled at the outset. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman also made nice plays to limit the damage. 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.

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 Houston Astros' Jose Altuve watches during batting practice before Game 1 in baseball's World Series against the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):6:05 p.m. Minute Maid Park’s retractable roof will be closed for Game 1 on Tuesday night, but MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said they’d pop it open for Game 2. 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. Gonzalez, a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series champions, has not played since the final game of the regular season on Oct. 3.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton speaks during a news conference Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Though the uniform keeps changing, Charlie Morton is becoming a Fall Classic fixture, set to start in the World Series for the third time in five seasons this week. It’s just been a lot of sacrifice and hard work.”Morton pitched for Houston from 2017-18, winning Game 7 of the 2017 World Series in relief at Dodger Stadium. “That’s pretty great.”Tuesday will mark Morton’s 16th postseason start and 17th appearance. “Back in 2014 and 2015 I wouldn’t have thought of being a starter in Game 1 of the World Series, but now it’s real and I appreciate it,” he said.