LUIS GARCIA

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.

Framber Valdez set a major league record with his 25th straight quality start, and Yordan Alvarez and Martin Maldonado had four RBIs each to help the Houston Astros to an 11-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics.

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.

Mets ace Max Scherzer exited with left side fatigue after five sharp innings and 67 pitches and NL East-leading New York lost to the Washington Nationals 7-1.

The Padres are giving reliever Josh Hader a break from the closer role after ninth-inning meltdowns on Thursday and Friday resulted in San Diego losses.

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.

Cal Quantrill pitched six scoreless innings and Amed Rosario had a two-run single, lifting the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-1 victory over the AL West-leading Houston Astros.

Jacob deGrom allowed one run on three hits and struck out six in five innings in his season debut before a bullpen meltdown cost the New York Mets in a 5-1 loss to the Washington Nationals.

Angels starter Reid Detmers became the first rookie pitcher with a no-hitter and an immaculate inning in the same season, achieving the latter against the Texas Rangers on Sunday.

Nationals Dodgers Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Luis Garcia hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the last-place Washington Nationals rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 Tuesday night for their second straight win against the NL West leaders. Mookie Betts hit his team-leading 23rd home run and threw out a runner at home plate for the Dodgers. Cody Bellinger also went deep, and Freddie Freeman added an RBI on a sacrifice fly as all three Dodgers runs came from former MVPs. Bellinger got the Dodgers even with a first-pitch home run to right field, his 13th of the season.

Luis Garcia hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the last-place Washington Nationals rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 for their second straight win against the NL West leaders.

Yankees Astros Baseball Houston Astros' Yordan Alverez, left, celebrates with Alex Bregman after hitting a solo home run off New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German during the first inning in the second game of a baseball doubleheader Thursday, July 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox) (Kevin M. Cox)HOUSTON — (AP) — Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman both homered and combined for five RBIs as the Houston Astros completed a doubleheader sweep of the New York Yankees on Thursday with a 7-5 win in Game 2. Chas McCormick added a two-run home run for the Astros, who won the season series 5-2 against the team with baseball's best record. The Astros went back-to-back when Bregman connected off Domingo Germán (0-1) four pitches later to make it 2-0. Judge walked with one out in the third before the Yankees cut the lead to three on a home run by Torres.

Jesse Winker hit his second solo homer of the day and the Seattle Mariners won their 10th straight game, edging the Washington Nationals 2-1 to sweep a doubleheader.

Even the mighty Houston Astros are not immune to occasional bouts of comprehensive ineptitude, as they demonstrated while blowing a four-run lead in the seventh inning Tuesday night with two errors, a hit batter with the bases loaded and a passed ball. The Astros still had plenty of time to recover against an opponent that's been largely inept for two full months now. Kyle Tucker delivered a tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth inning, and the Astros rallied for a 6-5 victory over the spiraling Los Angeles Angels.

Mike Trout has left the Los Angeles Angels’ game against Houston with upper back spasms.

New York Mets ace Max Scherzer returns to a major league mound for the first time since May 18 when the NL East leaders play at Cincinnati on Tuesday night.

Bryan De La Cruz hit a two-run homer off the foul pole in the 10th inning to keep the Miami Marlins’ domination of the Washington Nationals going with a 3-2 victory.

Houston left fielder Yordan Álvarez and shortstop Jeremy Peña were hurt when they collided while running down a popup. Luis Garcia (5-5, 3.68 ERA), who beat the Yankees in his last outing, starts for Houston against Luis Severino (4-2, 3.38 ERA). Joe Musgrove (8-1, 2.12 ERA) starts for the second-place Padres against Mitch White (1-1, 4.25). Chris Archer (2-3, 3.14 ERA) starts for Minnesota against 2020 AL Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber (3-4, 3.07). Minnesota leads the division by two games over Cleveland after the teams split the first four games of the series.

The New York Yankees and Houston Astros will meet Thursday in a one-game series between AL division leaders at Minute Maid Park.

Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton homered to fuel the New York Yankees’ major league-best 24th comeback victory, bailing out Jameson Taillon in a 5-3 win over the Oakland Athletics.

Astros Mets Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK — (AP) — 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 Wednesday to send New York to its first three-game losing streak this season. Astros left fielder Yordan Álvarez and shortstop Jeremy Peña were hurt when they collided in the eighth while running down Dominic Smith’s popup. UP NEXTAstros: RHP Luis Garcia (5-5) starts Thursday’s one-game series at home against the New York Yankees and RHP Luis Severino (4-2), a makeup of a game postponed by the lockout. Mets: RHP Chris Bassitt (6-5) starts a home series against Texas on Friday night.

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.

Vijay Gupta was a 19-year-old violin prodigy when he joined the LA Philharmonic. Now he runs Street Symphony, an organization bringing music to clinics, jails and homeless shelters on Skid Row.

Vijay Gupta was a 19-year-old violin prodigy when he joined the LA Philharmonic. Now he runs Street Symphony, an organization bringing music to clinics, jails and homeless shelters on Skid Row.

Aaron Judge drove a three-run homer in the 10th inning for his second walk-off hit against Houston in four days, and the New York Yankees recovered after nearly being no-hit for the second consecutive game, beating Houston 6-3 to split a four-game series between the AL’s best teams.

Austin Nola hit an RBI single off younger brother Aaron in the sixth inning and the San Diego Padres beat the Philadelphia Phillies 1-0.

The Tampa Bay Rays came into the season with Wander Franco at shortstop, Brandon Lowe at second base and Mike Zunino behind the plate.

Austin Riley homered twice and the Atlanta Braves won their 14th straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 8-2.

Astros Rangers Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero)ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — 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 Wednesday. Garcia (4-5) struck out nine without a walk over six innings while limiting Texas to two runs and four hits. The only AL West team with a winning record, Houston (39-24) had lost four of five after dropping the series opener. Left-hander Framber Valdez (6-3, 2.64 ERA) starts the series opener Friday night.

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.

Astros Rangers Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero)ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Nine pitches, three strikeouts. Houston pitchers had two immaculate innings against the Texas Rangers. Houston starter Luis Garcia retired the side in the second inning when he struck out Nathaniel Lowe, Ezequiel Duran and Brad Miller on nine consecutive pitches. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2022 The Associated Press.

Two Houston pitchers had immaculate innings against the Texas Rangers, striking out three batters on nine pitches.

Yu Darvish struck out five and walked none over seven shutout innings to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

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.

Astros Blue Jays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer hits a solo home run in the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Toronto, Saturday, April 30, 2022. (Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press via AP) (Jon Blacker)TORONTO — (AP) — George Springer homered twice against his former team, leading José Berríos and the Toronto Blue Jays over Houston 2-1 Saturday and snapping the Astros’ season-long winning streak at four. The Blue Jays have not lost back-to-back games since Sept. 24, 2021, an MLB-best 29-game stretch. Blue Jays: Toronto put LHP Tayler Saucedo (right hip) on the 10-day IL and recalled RHP Bowden Francis from Triple-A. UP NEXTAstros LHP Framber Valdez (1-1, 3.15) faces Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (1-1, 2.19) in Sunday’s series finale.

LOS ANGELES — (AP) — A West Coast rapper known as Drakeo the Ruler was fatally stabbed in an altercation at a Los Angeles music festival where he and others were scheduled to perform. A publicist for the rapper, Scott Jawson, confirmed his death on Sunday to the New York Times and Rolling Stone. Organizers called off the festival after the stabbing. The Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department also responded. LAPD spokesman Officer Luis Garcia told the Los Angeles Times that no arrests had been made as of Sunday.

A West Coast rapper known as Drakeo the Ruler was fatally stabbed in an altercation at a Los Angeles music festival.

The Braves hammered the Houston Astros 7-0 Tuesday night.

A bit player during the Chicago Cubs’ drought-smashing victory over Cleveland five years ago, Jorge Soler was voted MVP of the Atlanta Braves' six-game World Series win over the Houston 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' Freddie Freeman celebrates after a home run during the seventh 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/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series (all times local):10:35 p.m. The Atlanta Braves have won their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6. The Atlanta Braves are three outs from their first World Series title since 1995. Atlanta reliever Tyler Matzek pitched around a leadoff single in the bottom of the seventh, leaving the Braves six outs from their first World Series title since 1995.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series (all times local):7:45 p.m.Atlanta starting pitcher Max Fried needed only eight pitches to retire three straight Houston batters in the bottom of the second inning to keep Game 6 scoreless. Kyle Tucker opened the Astros second with a grounder, before Alex Bregman fouled out down the right field line and Jose Siri flew out. 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.

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.

World Series Baseball Fans cheer before the start of Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. ___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. Bregman hit an RBI double that started Houston’s comeback from a four-run deficit and Correa had three hits and two RBIs. ___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. ___11:15 a.m.Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Ehire Adrianza was placed on the postseason paternity list ahead of World Series Game 6 on Tuesday night and replaced on the active roster by infielder Johan Camargo.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies dives into third advancing on a double by Austin Riley during the first inning in Game 5 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. ___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. Bregman hit an RBI double that started Houston’s comeback from a four-run deficit and Correa had three hits and two RBIs. ___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. ___11:15 a.m.Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Ehire Adrianza was placed on the postseason paternity list ahead of World Series Game 6 on Tuesday night and replaced on the active roster by infielder Johan Camargo.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Eddie Rosario celebrates after scoring on a double by Austin Riley during the sixth 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/Brynn Anderson) (Brynn Anderson)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series (all times local):3:28 p.m.Eddie Rosario was back in the Atlanta Braves’ leadoff spot against right-hander Luis Garcia and Jorge Soler moved to designated hitter in Game 6 of the World Series against Houston. ___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. ___11:15 a.m.Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Ehire Adrianza was placed on the postseason paternity list ahead of World Series Game 6 on Tuesday night and replaced on the active roster by infielder Johan Camargo.

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

World Series Baseball Braves starter Max Fried sits dejected in the dugout during the 6th inning of a 7-2 loss to the Astros in game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. So many pitching changes by the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves, it’s sometimes hard to keep track of who’s on the mound. “Everybody that’s in the World Series right now is gassed, everybody,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said during Monday’s day off. With five full days of rest, the 27-year-old lefty will start Game 6 on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park as Atlanta again tries to win its first championship since 1995. Fried would prefer to end things himself and give the Braves a whole winter to rest up as champs.

The Atlanta Braves lead the World Series three games to two and will try to win the championship Tuesday night when Max Fried starts against the Astros in Houston.

Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros broke out the bats just in time to extend this 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. “There are times when I get to play a song for the first time in front of 40,000 people." Even Braves players pay attention to the songs Kaminski is playing for the other guys. “It's just a kids' song,” Kaminski said. “I Am The Walrus.”Kaminski became the Braves' organist in 2009, landing the job through the friend of a friend.

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 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. It was d’Arnaud’s second home run of this World Series and first long ball at home this season. Atlanta stopped a five-game home World Series losing streak. In the Series for the first time since 1999, the Braves won at home for the first time since the sixth and final game of the 1995 World Series against Cleveland. Anderson hit a batter and threw just 39 of 76 pitches for strikes before he was pulled by Snitker.

Austin Riley keeps coming up with one clutch hit after another on baseball’s biggest stage.

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.

Rookie starter Ian Anderson and the Braves' bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Austin Riley and Travis d’Arnaud drove in runs and Atlanta beat the Houston Astros 2-0 to grab a two games to one lead in the World Series.

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.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Latest on Game 3 of the World Series (all times local):10:45 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. Ian Anderson threw five scoreless innings, walking three and hitting a batter, before giving way to A.J. ___10:07 p.m.Ian Anderson has not allowed a hit through four innings and the Atlanta Braves took a 1-0 lead into the fifth against Houston. 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. ___10:07 p.m.Ian Anderson has not allowed a hit through four innings and the Atlanta Braves took a 1-0 lead into the fifth against Houston. 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. The first World Series Game in Atlanta since 1999 is scheduled to start at 8:09 p.m.

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. ___10:07 p.m.Ian Anderson has not allowed a hit through four innings and the Atlanta Braves took a 1-0 lead into the fifth against Houston. 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. The first World Series Game in Atlanta since 1999 is scheduled to start at 8:09 p.m.

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.

Rookie Ian Anderson and the Atlanta bullpen took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning and the Braves blanked the Houston Astros 2-0 to take a two games to one lead in the World Series.

ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia throws against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning in Game 6 of baseball's American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez)ATLANTA — (AP) — Game 3 of the World Series will be a bit of a throwback to the days before interleague play and players frequently changing teams. Astros manager Dusty Baker thinks each starting pitcher will have the advantage Friday. Houston's Zack Greinke, who may start Game 4, is a career .225 hitter with nine home runs in 18 seasons. Atlanta's Max Fried, who didn't bat in Game 2 at the AL city, had five RBIs this season.

Game 3 of the World Series will be a bit of a throwback to the days before interleague play and players frequently changing teams.

When Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves meet Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros, it will be a World Series that's been six decades in the making.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi throws against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's American League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Boston. Astros rookie Luis Garcia, who was the loser in Game 2, is scheduled to face Eovaldi in Game 6 on Friday. “We feel good about him,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. The Red Sox lost, but he was credited with saving the bullpen for wins in Games 4 and 5. The Red Sox also reinstated righty Phillips Valdez from the COVID-19 injured list.

Nathan Eovaldi wants the ball with the chance to extend the Red Sox's season.

APTOPIX ALCS Red Sox Astros Baseball Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia leaves the games with manager Dusty Baker Jr. against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip)HOUSTON — (AP) — Rookie Luis García will start for the Houston Astros against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series on Friday night with a trip to the World Series on the line. The Astros fell behind 2-1 in the series after two big wins by the Red Sox. The Red Sox previously announced that Nathan Eovaldi would start Game 6. Fellow rookies Chas McCormick and rookie José Siri have filled in at center against the Red Sox.

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.

Carlos Correa hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning that helped the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series.

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.

Leury García and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Grandal’s borderline baserunning helped the Chicago White Sox top the Houston Astros 12-6 to stay alive in their AL Division Series.

J.

The Houston Astros will try to sweep the White Sox when their AL Division Series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 on Sunday.

Big league wins leader Julio Urías starts for the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NL Division Series at San Francisco against Kevin Gausman.

With Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper and the rest of baseball's MVP front-runners left out of the postseason, there's a chance for some budding stars to cement their place among the game's top names.

Rays Astros Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Ji-Man Choi (26) celebrates with Brett Phillips after hitting a three-run home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, in Houston. The Astros lost for the fifth time in six games on a night they could have clinched their fourth AL West title in five seasons with a win. With the best record in the AL, the two-time AL East champions secured home-field advantage through the AL Championship Series. Choi’s three-run shot in the fifth pushed Tampa Bay's lead to 6-0 before the Astros got a runner on base. The Astros didn’t get a hit until the fifth inning Wednesday, a night after being held hitless until the sixth before rallying for a 4-3 victory.

Drew Rasmussen and three relievers combined for a three-hitter, Brandon Lowe and Ji-Man Choi both homered and the Tampa Bay Rays coasted past the Houston Astros 7-0, giving them the No. 1 seed in the American League playoffs.

Astros Angels Baseball Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, right, avoids a tag by Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro but misses the plate during the 10th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. Ohtani was later tagged out by Castro. Ohtani missed a chance to win it in the 10th when he made an ill-advised run home on David Fletcher's bases-loaded lineout to shallow right field. He advanced to third on McCormick's hit to right and scored the go-ahead run on Jake Meyers' single off Sam Selman (0-1). Yordan Alvarez had three hits, including a two-run homer, and drove in three runs for the Astros. UP NEXTThe Astros and Angels meet for the final time this season on Thursday.

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.

Shohei Ohtani's latest majestic homer wasn't nearly enough to turn back the Houston Astros as they steamroll toward another AL West title. Ohtani hit his 45th homer in the eighth inning, but Aledmys Díaz and Kyle Tucker hit back-to-back homers and drove in three runs apiece while leading the Astros to a 10-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. Ohtani connected for his first homer since Sept. 10, driving a solo shot off Houston’s Cristian Javier 445 feet into the elevated right field stands at the Big A.

Cardinals closer Giovanny Gallegos fanned pinch-hitter Pablo Reyes for the final out and St. Louis won its 10th straight game, increasing its playoff lead by holding off the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 2-1.

Nationals Mets Baseball Washington Nationals shortstop Luis Garcia (2) looks on as New York Mets' Francisco Lindor (12) gestures after his double scored Patrick Mazeika and Jonathan Villa during the eighth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, in New York. Frustrated at their team’s poor play in August, Mets fans have been booing the club. Báez said Sunday that he and teammates have been turning double thumbs down on the crowd in response. “When we don’t get success, we’re going to get booed,” Báez said. NO SHOShohei Ohtani won’t pitch for the Angels against Yankees in order to give his right hand extra time to heal.

Javier Báez and his New York Mets teammates get a day to cool off after the derogatory gestures they directed toward frustrated fans at Citi Field angered club management. Booed at home during a rough August, Báez said Mets players have been turning double thumbs down on the crowd in reponse. The major league record among players 20 and under is 43 in a row for Cincinnati in 1956. ANOTHER NEWBIEFor the third time in six games, the Texas Rangers will have a starting pitcher making his major league debut. Starting pitchers Mike Foltynewicz, Dane Dunning and Spencer Howard are among seven Texas players currently on the COVD-19 related injured list.

Astros Mariners Baseball Seattle Mariners' Dylan Moore watches his grand slam during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE — (AP) — Dylan Moore hit a grand slam in the eighth inning to lift the Seattle Mariners to an 11-8 comeback win against the Houston Astros on Monday night. The seven-run deficit is the most the Mariners have overcome this season, and the largest cushion the AL West-leading Astros have lost. Moore launched reliever Brooks Raley’s 1-1 pitch into the left field second deck for his fourth homer of the season to complete the comeback. Kyle Tucker’s three-run homer was the biggest blow, followed by a solo shot from Abraham Toro.

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.

(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.

Now the Miami Marlins manager, Donnie Baseball worries about a record lack of hits -- and not just from his team’s bats. I think it’s something that we have to address.”It’s the Season of the Slump, even for All-Stars like Marcell Ozuna (.202), Charlie Blackmon (.184) and Francisco Lindor (.189). Strikeouts already are 1,092 ahead of hits, just three years after exceeding hits for the first time over a full season. Mattingly, a six-time All-Star, never struck out more than 43 times in a season during a career from 1982-92. Many baseball veterans try not to draw conclusions from Aprils, when cold and blustery weather can hold down offense.

Yusei Kikuchi took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning, Taylor Trammell homered and the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 1-0 on Thursday to avoid a four-game series sweep.

Three guards at a New Jersey women's prison have been charged in connection with a violent attack on inmates last month, the state's attorney general announced Thursday. More than 20 officers were placed on administrative leave as officials investigated allegations of violence, a union official said. William Sullivan, president of the union representing officers at the prison, said the union does not "condone any unprofessional conduct." #105 fully supports a thorough investigation being conducted regarding the incidents at issue before any judgments are made pertaining to the allegations or the officers charged in connection therewith," Sullivan said in a statement. Last year, a Department of Justice report alleged that guards routinely sexually assaulted women inmates at the prison.

Three prison guards at a New Jersey women's prison have been charged in connection with a violent attack on inmates last month, the state's attorney general announced Thursday. More than 20 officers were placed on administrative leave as officials investigated allegations of violence, a union official said. William Sullivan, president of the union representing officers at the prison, said the union does not "condone any unprofessional conduct." #105 fully supports a thorough investigation being conducted regarding the incidents at issue before any judgments are made pertaining to the allegations or the officers charged in connection therewith," Sullivan said in a statement. Last year, a Department of Justice report alleged that guards routinely sexually assaulted women inmates at the prison.

The Get My Payment tool is meant to give those eligible for a coronavirus stimulus check information on when they will receive their payment. Instead, many are receiving messages that their payment status is not available. A reader sent this image to CNBC Make It after attempting to find out the status of her stimulus check. "Go to the IRS website, literally 99% of all the questions are answered right there." Don't miss: If you didn't get a stimulus check today, don't panichere's how to see when it's comingCheck out: The best credit cards of 2020 could earn you over $1,000 in 5 years

(@JeanWmur/Twitter)(CNN) - A gunman barged into a church in New Hampshire and opened fire, wounding a bride and the bishop before wedding guests tackled him, authorities said. Wedding guests 'gang-tackled him'A 911 caller reported a man walked into the church and shot at the presiding bishop, the state attorney general's office said. Officers arrived at the church just after 10 a.m. Saturday, and found wedding guests had subdued the male suspect, Pelham Police Chief Joseph Roark said at a news conference. Other wedding guests were treated for minor injuries and nobody was killed, Roark said. A memorial service was scheduled to be held for Garcia, 60, at the same venue after the wedding.