KYLE WRIGHT

More than four months of dazzling baseball carried the Atlanta Braves to a fifth straight NL East title.

Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider returned to the mound for the first time in nearly a month and was tagged by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley flashed his leather in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night, leaving the park stunned.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Kyle Wright, baseball's winningest pitcher, threw six brilliant innings to outduel Zack Wheeler as the Atlanta Braves evened their NL Division Series at one game apiece, blanking the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0 on Wednesday night. This was a game the reigning World Series champions had to have after losing the opener of the best-of-five series 7-6. Wright watched from the top step of the dugout as the Braves finally broke the scoreless tie in the bottom half, doing all the damage after Wheeler retired the first two hitters. Then, it was Travis d'Arnaud grounding one up the middle for another run-scoring hit before Wheeler finally got the third out. MATZEK OUTA key member of the Braves bullpen in their run to the 2021 World Series title, Tyler Matzek is done for this season.

Kyle Wright threw six brilliant innings to outduel Zack Wheeler, and the Atlanta Braves evened their NL Division Series at one game apiece with a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Nick Castellanos had already carried quite a load with his bat. Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series on Tuesday. Thomson guided a remarkable turnaround as interim manager, the Phillies bouncing back to claim the NL's final wild card. “We had him on the ropes,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. UP NEXTRH Kyle Wright, who led the majors with 21 wins, faces a must-win situation when goes for the Braves in Game 2.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Nick Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch in the ninth inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series on Tuesday. The Phillies have won three straight games to begin these playoffs, hardly looking like a team making its first postseason appearance since 2011. Matt Olson hit a three-run homer in the ninth off Zach Eflin to bring the Braves within a run. Castellanos came in hitting .148 (4 for 27) in seven postseason games. UP NEXTRH Kyle Wright, who led the majors with 21 wins, faces a must-win situation when goes for the Braves in Game 2.

Nick Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch in the ninth inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series.

Philadelphia Phillies reliever David Robertson will miss the NL Division Series after injuring his right calf jumping to celebrate Bryce Harper’s home run in their clinching wild-card victory at St. Louis.

Minnesota’s Luis Arraez finished with the lowest average for an American League batting champion since 1968, and the Mets’ Jeff McNeil won the National League title.

ATLANTA — (AP) — Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered off Max Scherzer, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a crucial 4-2 victory Saturday night over the New York Mets and a one-game lead in the NL East. The defending World Series champions beat aces Jacob deGrom and Scherzer on consecutive nights to take their biggest lead of the season in the division. Even though both teams are headed to the postseason, that’s important because the NL East champion gets a first-round bye in the playoffs. Wright will become the first Braves pitcher since Hall of Famer Tom Glavine in 2000 to lead the majors in wins. The Braves, who got homers from Riley, Olson and Swanson off deGrom on Friday, lead the NL with 240 homers.

Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson homered off Max Scherzer, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a crucial 4-2 victory over the New York Mets and a one-game lead in the NL East.

Austin Riley and Matt Olson hit back-to-back homers off Jacob deGrom in the second inning and Dansby Swanson later connected off the Mets ace as the Atlanta Braves beat New York 5-2 to move into a tie for the NL East lead.

Two months into the season, it looked like the New York Mets were headed for an NL East runaway.

As he was going through the postgame handshake line, Kyle Wright received a request from Braves manager Brian Snitker. Wright became the first 20-game winner in the majors this season and Atlanta beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3 on Saturday to stop a three-game losing streak. “I don't know if I realized how cool it was until my teammates and coaches congratulated me real quick afterward,” Wright said.

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 — (AP) — Kyle Wright pitched seven scoreless innings to earn his major league-leading 17th victory, Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. homered, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Wednesday night. Atlanta, with the NL’s third-best record at 80-51, remained three games behind the New York Mets in the East Division. Hall of Famer Tom Glavine was the last Atlanta pitcher to lead the majors in victories with 21 in 2000. Riley’s 32nd homer, an opposite-field, two-run shot to right-center off Ryan Feltner (2-6), put the Braves up 2-0 in the first. Prior to Atlanta’s four-game sweep June 2-5 at Coors Field, the Rockies had won 30 of 42 games against the Braves.

Kyle Wright pitched seven scoreless innings to earn his major league-leading 17th victory, Austin Riley and Ronald Acuña Jr. homered, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2.

Freddie Freeman drove in the go-ahead run with a grounder in the top of the 10th inning, Chris Martin escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom half and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Miami Marlins 3-2.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have put All-Star pitcher Tony Gonsolin on the injured list because of a strained right forearm, making the move as a precaution hours before his scheduled start at Miami.

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Oneil Cruz has recorded the hardest-hit ball in the seven years that Major League Baseball has measured exit velocity.

Tony Gonsolin took a no-hit try into the seventh inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers won their 11th straight game, beating the Kansas City Royals 8-3.

Top Atlanta prospect Vaughn Grissom homered onto Lansdowne Street in his major league debut to lead the Braves to an 8-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

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.

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.

Houston ace Justin Verlander, who leads the major leagues in wins, takes a 13-3 record and 1.86 ERA into his start Friday against visiting Seattle.

The Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.

The New York Mets won two of three in their NL East showdown with the Atlanta Braves despite playing without two of their four All-Stars. It helped that Francisco Lindor played like he should be included at the Midsummer Classic. Lindor led New York’s home-run barrage with a three-run shot, Chris Bassitt threw six strong innings and the Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 7-3 on Wednesday.

Willson Contreras had three hits and stole a base in his first game against younger brother William, helping the Chicago Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 6-3.

The Chicago Cubs became the first team in 23 years to stop a losing streak of 10 or more game while ending an opponent’s winning streak of at least 10 games, beating the Braves 1-0 to end the Braves’ 14-game run.

Pirates Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Adam Duvall hits a solo home run in the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Sunday, June 12, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.) (Harkim Wright Sr.)ATLANTA — (AP) — Adam Duvall homered twice off José Quintana, William Contreras and Matt Olson also connected, and the Atlanta Braves won their 11th straight game, 5-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. This stretch is the club’s best since it won 14 in a row from July 26 to Aug. 9, 2013. Contreras doubled in the fourth and crossed the plate when Duvall hit his sixth homer, an opposite-field shot to right-center, to put Atlanta up 4-1. The Braves have won seven straight at home against the Pirates, outscoring them 55-13.

Adam Duvall homered twice off José Quintana, William Contreras and Matt Olson also connected, and the Atlanta Braves won their 11th straight game, 5-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pirates Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies (1) hit a grand slam to center right center field which also scored Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley and Matt Olson in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Atlanta. This marks just the third time since divisional play started in 1969 that two teams began a day with winning streaks of nine games. The World Series champion Braves are on their longest winning streak since they took 14 in a row in 2013. Kyle Wright (6-3, 2.39 ERA) starts for Atlanta against José Quintana (1-3, 3.19) and the Pirates. The Padres won the opener 2-1 in 10 innings.

Pirates Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies (1) hit a grand slam to center right center field which also scored Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley and Matt Olson in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Atlanta. This marks just the third time since divisional play started in 1969 that two teams began a day with winning streaks of nine games. The World Series champion Braves are on their longest winning streak since they took 14 in a row in 2013. Kyle Wright (6-3, 2.39 ERA) starts for Atlanta against José Quintana (1-3, 3.19) and the Pirates. The Padres won the opener 2-1 in 10 innings.

Ozzie Albies and the Atlanta Braves have won 10 straight going into their home game Sunday against Pittsburgh while rookie Bryson Stott and the Phillies have a nine-game winning streak as they host Arizona.

Pirates Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies (1) hit a grand slam to center right center field which also scored Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley and Matt Olson in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.) (Harkim Wright Sr.)ATLANTA — (AP) — Dansby Swanson blooped a three-run single, Ozzie Albies added a grand slam in an eight-run seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-4 Saturday for their 10th consecutive win. Albies’ fifth career slam put the Braves ahead 10-4. FIRST TIMEMorton faced Pittsburgh, the team he pitched for from 2009-15, for the first time in 303 career starts. Quintana is 2-1 with an 8.68 ERA in four career starts against Atlanta.

Dansby Swanson blooped a three-run single, Ozzie Albies added a grand slam in an eight-run seventh inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-4 for their 10th consecutive win.

The AL Central-leading Twins start a home series against the AL East-leading Yankees with their rotation in a dire situation.

Dansby Swanson scored the tiebreaking run in the fifth inning on an excruciating defensive sequence by the Phillies, and the Atlanta Braves beat Philadelphia 8-4.

Braves Marlins Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. hits a double during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, May 20, 2022, in Miami. Marcell Ozuna homered for the third consecutive game, while Dansby Swanson and Travis d’Arnaud also went deep for the Braves. It was his first against Atlanta since he was the MVP of the World Series for the champion Braves last season. Acuña didn't play in the World Series after tearing his knee in a game at Miami on July 10. Atlanta struck quickly against Trevor Rogers (2-5) in the first.

Ronald Acuña Jr. had two hits and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 5-3.

Ha-Seong Kim had a run-scoring double to give San Diego the lead in a four-run 11th inning and the Padres beat the Atlanta Braves 7-3.

Marcell Ozuna homered and Austin Riley hit a tiebreaking double during a four-run rally in the eighth inning that lifted the Atlanta Braves to a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres.

Cubs Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kyle Wright works in the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Atlanta. Wright (3-0) pitched three-hit ball over a career-high seven innings as the World Series champion Braves, off to a sluggish start, made it two of three over the Cubs. Playing right field, Acuña fielded the carom perfectly on Jason Heyward's liner off the fence, holding him to a single. While much of the attention was on Acuña rejoining the Braves, it was Wright who starred again. Braves: RH Ian Anderson (1-1, 5.40 ERA) gets the start as Atlanta opens a three-game series at Texas.

Ronald Acuña Jr. went 1 for 5 with two stolen bases in his return to the Braves lineup, but it was Kyle Wright who claimed a starring role, pitching three-hit ball over a career-high seven innings to give Atlanta a 5-1 win over the Cubs.

Joe Musgrove pitched 6 2/3 brilliant innings for his hometown Padres against defending World Series champion Atlanta, Manny Machado homered for his career-high fifth hit and rookie C.

Reds Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) works in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, April 8, 2022, in Atlanta. Asked to hold a 7-3 lead, new Braves closer Kenley Jansen gave up three ninth-inning runs in his Atlanta debut. With two outs, Kyle Farmer hit an RBI single and Jake Fraley had a two-run single before Jansen retired Jonathan India on a flyball. Sanmartin allowed five runs on four hits, including a run-scoring double by Adam Duvall in Atlanta's big third inning. Jeff Hoffman, who replaced Sanmartin, allowed d'Arnaud's two-run single and a run-scoring single by Orlando Arcia.

Charlie Morton allowed only two hits while pitching into the sixth inning while returning from a broken leg, Travis d’Arnaud drove in three runs and the Atlanta Braves held off the Cincinnati Reds 7-6.

Caught in lockout limbo, Yankees star Aaron Judge, Red Sox ace Chris Sale, Braves slugger Adam Duvall and other players are doing their best to stay loose.

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

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson celebrates his 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. Just like that, Atlanta is one win from its first World Series title in 26 years. That triumph at the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium remains the franchise's only World Series crown since moving to the Deep South in 1966. LEE STARTSLee was one of the most unlikely starters in World Series history. Lee didn't last long in Game 4, but he will forever be known as a World Series starter.

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

A guy who spent most of the season in the minors kept the Braves in it. Just like that, Atlanta is one win from its first World Series title in 26 years. Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Jorge Soler connected for back-to-back homers in the seventh inning Saturday night, propelling the Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros and a commanding 3-1 Series lead.

___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. 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.

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.

Atlanta's Dylan Lee became the first pitcher to make his first big league start in the 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. ___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 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.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (Charles Krupa)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):4:35 p.m.Right-hander José Urquidy will start Game 2 for the Astros against Braves left-hander Max Fried. He allowed six runs (five earned) in only 1 2/3 innings against Boston in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series. 3:25 p.m.Second baseman Jose Altuve hits leadoff for Houston in the World Series opener against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night, among six Astros remaining in the lineup from Game 7 of the 2019 World Series. 1:05 p.m.Right-hander Kyle Wright and outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore were added to the Atlanta Braves’ roster ahead of the opening World Series game against the Houston Astros, and right-hander Jacob Webb and infielder Johan Camargo were dropped. 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 The Atlanta Braves take batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for Tuesday night's World Series opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton. 1:05 p.m.Right-hander Kyle Wright and outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore were added to the Atlanta Braves’ roster ahead of the opening World Series game against the Houston Astros, and right-hander Jacob Webb and infielder Johan Camargo were dropped. Gore was on the roster for the Division Series against Milwaukee and made one appearance, pinch running for Pederson in Game 2. 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 The Atlanta Braves take batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):3:10 p.m.Jorge Soler moved up to the Atlanta Braves' leadoff spot for Tuesday night's World Series opener against the Houston Astros and right-hander Charlie Morton. 1:05 p.m.Right-hander Kyle Wright and outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore were added to the Atlanta Braves’ roster ahead of the opening World Series game against the Houston Astros, and right-hander Jacob Webb and infielder Johan Camargo were dropped. Gore was on the roster for the Division Series against Milwaukee and made one appearance, pinch running for Pederson in Game 2. 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 The Atlanta Braves take batting practice Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Houston, in preparation for Game 1 of baseball's World Series tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 1 of the World Series (all times local):1:05 p.m.Right-hander Kyle Wright and outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore were added to the Atlanta Braves’ roster ahead of Tuesday night’s World Series game against the Houston Astros, and right-hander Jacob Webb and infielder Johan Camargo were dropped. Gore was on the roster for the Division Series against Milwaukee and made one appearance, pinch running for Pederson in Game 2. Gonzalez, a member of Houston’s 2017 World Series champions, has not played since the final game of the regular season on Oct. 3. Meyers injured his left shoulder crashing into a wall during Game 4 of the Division Series on Oct. 12 and has not played since.

Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros 6-2 in Tuesday night’s opener despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg.

Dodgers ace right-hander Max Scherzer is the planned starter for the opening game of the NL Championship Series against the Braves.

Where do Jarred Kelenic, Wander Franco, Nate Pearson and other top players stand as minor league baseball teams begin their season?

Jacob deGrom and the Mets hope to finally play some baseball.

Jacob deGrom and the Mets hope to finally play some baseball.

Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring after injuring himself while running the bases.

“We’re just talking.”The Mets obtained Lindor from Cleveland in January, and he's signed for this season at $22.3 million. Canning now has 13 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has permitted three hits in 8 2/3 innings with 16 strikeouts and a walk. Nola has given up 15 hits in 8 2/3 innings, seeing his ERA rise to 10.38. Kyle Wright made his fourth start, giving up two runs on three hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings.

The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year is off to a strong start this spring on both sides. PHILLIES 3, PIRATES 0Bryce Harper homered on his first swing of spring training, launching a opposite-field drive to left. Chad Kuhl made his second start for Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on three hits. Brad Keller worked three innings in the start for the Royals and allowed a run on four hits and two walks. BRAVES 4, TWINS 0 (7)Kyle Wright fared much better in his second start for Atlanta, allowing one hit in three shutout innings with two strikeouts.

AdJazz Chisholm of the Marlins and Adam Haseley of the Phillies did even better — they led off games with home runs. Mancini took off his helmet to acknowledge a standing ovation that included the fans, the Orioles and the Pirates. Marco Gonzales made his first spring start for Seattle, allowing two hits and an unearned run in two innings. Center fielder Trent Grisham, coming off his first Gold Glove last season, doubled and scored a run for San Diego. Top prospect Jeter Downs had a two-run home run and RBI single, while Michael Chavis hit a solo shot.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Baby Braves were the Battered Braves in their first loss of these playoffs. The 15 runs allowed in the first three innings were more than the Braves permitted in their first seven postseason games combined. And those 13 previous runs included seven scored by Los Angeles in the final three innings of Atlanta's 8-7 win in Game 2. Bartolo Colon (seven runs) and Steve Reed (eight) did it with Cleveland in a 23-7 loss to Boston in Game 4 of the 1999 ALDS. Snitker seemed to suggest a bullpen game was possible, depending on how deep Wilson gets into Game 4.

The Dodgers set franchise postseason records for runs and home runs with five, cutting their NLCS deficit to 2 games to 1. Winner Julio Urías, made his first postseason start and improved to 3-0 in these playoffs, striking out five while allowing one run and three hits over five innings. LOT OF BIG NUMBERSThe 15 runs matched the most in an NLCS game — the Braves beat the St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 in Game 7 of the 1996 NLCS. ... Only the Chicago Cubs, with six in Game 3 of the 2015 NLDS, hit more homers in any postseason game. The Dodgers’ eight extra-base hits matched the franchise record for a postseason game, and their 18 total bases in the first were an MLB record for an inning.

The 11 runs came against the Atlanta Braves, who were also on the wrong side of matching the previous mark. They allowed 10 runs in the first inning in the deciding Game 5 of the NL Division Series against St. Louis last season. The slam by Muncy off reliever Grant Dayton was the third homer in the inning, matching another LCS record. Betts walked before Seager had an RBI single, Justin Turner was hit by a pitch and Muncy went deep. The Dodgers led 11-0 entering the second inning after center fielder Cody Bellinger robbed the Braves' Ozzie Albies with a leaping catch at the wall that stranded two runners in the bottom of the first.

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled Game 2 start Tuesday due to back spasms. The team still expects he'll be able to pitch later in the series, but it will be Urías in Game 3 against Braves rookie Kyle Wright. Urías, already pitching in his fourth postseason, was the winner in relief in the Game 3 clincher last Thursday against San Diego during the Division Series. There have been 14 teams take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, and all have gone on to win the pennant. He’ll pitch in AL Championship Series Game 4 against Houston on four days’ rest.

Freddie Freeman also homered for the second night in a row, and the streaking Braves beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 on Tuesday to take a 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series. “I didn’t feel good with a big lead because these guys are too powerful, and that’s a good ballgame to win. All previous 14 teams to win the first two games of a best-of-seven NLCS went on to take the pennant. Kyle Wright, another rookie right-hander, is on the mound for the Braves, who have outscored opponents 37-13 in the playoffs. ... Freeman and Albies joined Swanson and d’Arnaud by homering in back-to-back Braves games this postseason.