MAX FRIED

Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman’s future is the most pressing offseason issue facing the Braves, who beat the Houston Astros to cap an improbable run to their first World Series title since 1995.

NLDS Brewers Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried, left speaks with Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos after Game 4 of a baseball National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves won 5-4 to advance to the NLCS. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)HOUSTON — (AP) — Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos tested positive for COVID-19 and wasn’t with the team when it clinched the World Series championship Tuesday night. “He’s such a big part of this.”The 44-year-old Anthopoulos has been the Braves’ general manager since November 2017. He rejoined the team in time for the World Series and wound up winning the MVP award.

Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos tested positive for COVID-19 and wasn’t with the team when it clinched the World Series championship.

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

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman celebrates his 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. Yet out of nowhere, suddenly, these Atlanta Braves transformed themselves and took off. Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and the Braves breezed to their first World Series championship since 1995, hammering the Houston Astros 7-0 Tuesday night in Game 6. Not a broken leg sustained by starter Charlie Morton in the World Series opener. Favored in spring training to win their fourth straight NL East title, the Braves lost Acuña to a torn knee in July.

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/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 6 of the World Series (all times local):10:15 p.m. 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. __8:35 p.m.Atlanta starting pitcher Max Fried has gotten 12 outs over 12 batters for the Braves, who lead 3-0 in Houston after four innings in pursuit of their first World Series title since 1995. Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row.

It hasn’t been done in the World Series since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto in Game 2 in 2015. __8:35 p.m.Atlanta starting pitcher Max Fried has gotten 12 outs over 12 batters for the Braves, who lead 3-0 in Houston after four innings in pursuit of their first World Series title since 1995. Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row. 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.

World Series Baseball Atlanta Braves' Dansby Swanson hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning in Game 6 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. Swanson, the top overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft by Arizona, was the Most Outstanding Player at the 2014 College World Series as he helped Vanderbilt win a national championship. Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row. And if it holds it might have earned him World Series MVP. Kyle Tucker opened the Astros second with a grounder, before Alex Bregman fouled out down the right field line and Jose Siri flew out.

Fried allowed a leadoff single for the second inning in a row, but also got a double-play grounder for the second inning in a row. ___8:15 p.m.Jorge Soler’s three-run blast has given the Braves a 3-0 lead in the third inning. And if it holds it might have earned him World Series MVP. 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.

(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.

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.

Game 5 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves might have represented a historic moment for Major League Baseball.

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

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

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.

Atlanta Braves lefty Max Fried had a stretch in his first World Series start when he looked like the ace he has been most of the season.

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.

Rookie Jose Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros to a 7-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves that evened the World Series at one game apiece.

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.

Houston Astros reliever Cristian Javier threw another scoreless inning, pitching around a one-out double by Jorge Soler in the top of the sixth. ___8:25 p.m.José Urquidy has four strikeouts in three innings and the Houston Astros lead the Atlanta Braves 5-1 going into the fourth. Carlos Correa struck out to start the Astros second before Kyle Tucker, Yuli Gurriel, rookie José Siri and Martin Maldonado all had singles. ___7:35 p.m.José Altuve has helped give the Houston Astros their first lead of the World Series. 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 starting pitcher Jose Urquidy throws during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. ___8:25 p.m.José Urquidy has four strikeouts in three innings and the Houston Astros lead the Atlanta Braves 5-1 going into the fourth. ___7:35 p.m.José Altuve has helped give the Houston Astros their first lead of the World Series. ___2:15 p.m.Left-hander Tucker Davidson has replaced injured pitcher Charlie Morton on the Atlanta Braves’ World Series roster. Major League Baseball announced the move before Game 2 between the Braves and Houston Astros on Wednesday night.

Carlos Correa struck out to start the Astros second before Kyle Tucker, Yuli Gurriel, rookie José Siri and Martin Maldonado all had singles. ___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. But he got a chance to contribute in the ALCS and in the World Series with Meyers out with a shoulder injury. ___2:15 p.m.Left-hander Tucker Davidson has replaced injured pitcher Charlie Morton on the Atlanta Braves’ World Series roster.

World Series Baseball Fans arrive at Minute Maid Park where the roof on the stadium was open for Game 2 of baseball's World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)HOUSTON — (AP) — The Latest on Game 2 of the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros (all times local):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. But he got a chance to contribute in the ALCS and in the World Series with Meyers out with a shoulder injury. ___2:15 p.m.Left-hander Tucker Davidson has replaced injured pitcher Charlie Morton on the Atlanta Braves’ World Series roster.

Rookie José Siri sparked a team whose biggest stars took a while to shine, sending the Houston Astros over the Atlanta Braves 7-2 to even the World Series at one game apiece.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Atlanta Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 in Game 1.

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.

Chris Taylor hit three homers and drove in six runs to help the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Atlanta 11-2, cutting the Braves' lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.

NLCS Dodgers Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried walks to the dugout during the fourth inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Atlanta. Max Fried is scheduled to start for the Braves in his hometown, while Los Angeles was planning a bullpen game. The 27-year-old Fried was born in Santa Monica, California, and attended Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles. During the regular season, Fried went 14-7 with a 3.04 ERA. Nathan Eovaldi, who won Game 2 but came on in relief and lost in Game 4, will start for the Red Sox.

In the only playoff game of the night Thursday, the Atlanta Braves can win their first pennant in 22 years with a victory in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium.

Eddie Rosario homered twice in his second four-hit game of the NL Championship Series and six Atlanta pitchers combined on a four-hitter, giving the Braves a 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers for a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven playoff.

Austin Riley homered and drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Atlanta Braves a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series.

NLDS Dodgers Giants Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Corey Knebel pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of Game 5 of a baseball National League Division Series Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/John Hefti) (John Hefti)ATLANTA — (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are going with Corey Knebel for Game 1 of the NL Championship Series on Saturday instead of Max Scherzer. On Friday, manager Dave Roberts said he planned to start Scherzer at Atlanta only two days after the right-hander earned his first career save in the team's NL Division Series-clinching win at San Francisco. Scherzer was 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA for Washington and Los Angeles this season, including 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 starts for the Dodgers. Scherzer earned his first career save in a 2-1 victory over San Francisco on Thursday night in Game 5 of the NLDS.

The Los Angeles Dodgers say Corey Knebel, not Max Scherzer, will be their starter in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves.

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.

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

Charlie Morton will start on three days’ rest for the Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Milwaukee Brewers have picked the worst time of year to go ice cold at the plate.

NLDS Braves Brewers Baseball Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in Game 2 of baseball's National League Divisional Series Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Max Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlanta’s bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitker’s quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 Saturday to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece. Austin Riley homered and Ozzie Albies hit an RBI double for the Braves, who bounced back after losing 2-1 in Game 1. Counting Saturday’s performance, Fried has allowed just one earned run over 29 innings in his last four starts. This was the second straight exceptional outing by a Braves starter in a series that has been dominated by pitching.

Max Fried pitched six sharp innings and Atlanta’s bullpen held on after manager Brian Snitker’s quick hook, sending the Braves over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 to tie their NL Division Series at a game apiece.

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

The Atlanta Braves have captured their fourth straight NL East championship.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

Braves Diamondbacks Baseball Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman high fives Austin Riley (27) after scoring on a double hit by Ozzie Albies during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in Phoenix. The two worst teams in the majors this season are currently having a big effect on the NL East race. The Diamondbacks led 3-2 heading to the fifth but the Braves responded with a huge inning, scoring seven runs while sending 12 batters to the plate. Duvall has also added plenty of punch since coming to the Braves in a midseason trade with the Marlins. PITCHER IN A PINCHThe Braves used pitcher Max Fried as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.

Austin Riley had three doubles and three RBIs, Adam Duvall added a two-run homer and the Atlanta Braves extended their lead in the NL East by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-4.

The Atlanta Braves have locked up another key player for next season, announcing a $20 million, one-year deal for pitcher Charlie Morton.

Justin Turner and AJ Pollock singled home the tying and go-ahead runs through the same infield hole in the eighth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied past the Atlanta Braves 4-3 to complete a three-game sweep.

Corey Seager hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves in a matchup of playoff contenders.

Jorge Soler hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, Joc Pederson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat San Francisco 6-5 to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak.

Wandy Peralta retired Freddie Freeman with the bases loaded for the final out, and the New York Yankees held off the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in a thriller to extend their longest winning streak in 36 years to 11 games.

Freddie Freeman hit for the cycle for the second time and the surging Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 11-9.

José Altuve, Carlos Correa and the Astros have been heckled at Yankee Stadium, Cleveland, Phoenix and many other parks, the result of their sign-stealing scheme.

Twins White Sox Baseball Minnesota Twins' Nelson Cruz celebrates in the dugout his home run off Chicago White Sox's Lance Lynn during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, July 19, 2021, in Chicago. The defending AL champion Rays acquired Cruz, one of baseball’s most proven sluggers, in a four-player trade with Minnesota on Thursday night. The 41-year-old Cruz has 436 career homers and 1,202 RBIs. He’ll bring some needed pop to Tampa Bay’s lineup and should help the Rays against left-handers. The seven-time All-Star also has plenty of playoff experience with 17 homers and 37 RBIs in 46 postseason games.

Nelson Cruz is headed to a contender in the biggest deal yet ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

Tyler Anderson pitched seven sparkling innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates ended Milwaukee’s 11-game winning streak with a 2-0 victory over the Brewers.

The finale of an entertaining four-game series between longtime rivals features an excellent pitching matchup Sunday at Dodger Stadium between Giants right-hander Kevin Gausman and Los Angeles lefty Clayton Kershaw.

Kevin Gausman (5-0, 1.53 ERA) starts for the San Francisco Giants against Los Angeles lefty Clayton Kershaw (7-3, 2.94). On Monday, the Indians will host the Chicago White Sox for a pair of seven-inning games. The teams were washed out Friday night, and the forecast again calls for rain all day in New York. SPUTTERING AT THE PLATELast in the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers try for a surprising three-game sweep of the visiting New York Yankees. Lucas Giolito (4-4, 4.04 ERA) starts for Chicago.

Lucas Giolito beat Jack Flaherty in a major league matchup of former high school teammates, leading the Chicago White Sox to an 8-3 victory over the sloppy St. Louis Cardinals.

PiratesBraves Baseball Atlanta Braves Austin Riley watches his two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 23, 2021 in Atlanta. The Braves hit 15 homers, adding to their major league lead, while winning three of four games against the Pirates. After losing the opening game of the four-game series 6-4 on Thursday night, the Braves outscored the Pirates 33-3 in three consecutive wins. They hit seven homers, including Riley's first career two-homer game, in a 20-1 win on Friday night. Braves: RHP Shane Greene struck out the side in his only inning on Saturday night in his first appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett.

Austin Riley drove in five runs while hitting two of Atlanta three homers and the Braves capped their impressive power display in the series by beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-1.

APTOPIX Mets Braves Baseball New York Mets' Kevin Pillar is hit in the face with a pitch from Atlanta Braves pitcher Jacob Webb in the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, May 17, 2021, in Atlanta. After the game, New York manager Luis Rojas said the veteran outfielder was taken to the hospital for a CT scan. Pinch-hitter James McCann broke a scoreless tie with a seventh-inning double, and Tomás Nido had three hits for the Mets. Some Braves players on the field, including Webb, showed their shock and concern as they watched Pillar receive medical attention. With two outs and the bases loaded, Webb's errant pitch hit Pillar to force in the second run.

Pinch-hitter James McCann drove in the game’s first run with a double, Tomás Nido had three hits and the New York Mets overcame more injuries to beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1.

Huascar Ynoa hit a grand slam and pitched seven stress-free innings in a dominant two-way performance, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 6-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Madison Bumgarner threw a seven-inning no-hitter, an achievement that won’t count in the Major League Baseball record book but completed a dominant day of Arizona Diamondbacks pitching for a 7-0 win over the Atlanta Braves and a doubleheader sweep.

Freddie Freeman crushed one of Atlanta’s four homers in the first inning against Kyle Hendricks, leading the Braves to a potentially costly 13-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. has left their game against the Chicago Cubs after experiencing pain in his lower abdominal muscles.

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.

Atlanta pinch-hitter Pablo Sandoval drove a two-run homer to the deepest part of the ballpark off a Washington reliever who took over after Stephen Strasburg’s six scoreless innings to lift the Braves to a 2-0 victory over the Nationals and a doubleheader sweep.

Both winless teams in the majors are defending division champions.

Juan Soto drove in the winning run with a single on a 3-0 pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the coronavirus-depleted Washington Nationals to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Atlanta Braves after waiting five days to start their season.

The NHL has postponed three more Vancouver Canucks games due to COVID-19 issues.

EARLY TESTSThe Washington Nationals will be short-handed due to a positive coronavirus test for the second straight season opener. General manager Mike Rizzo did not reveal who the five players were, and the only certainty as of Wednesday night was that opening day starter Max Scherzer wasn't one of them. The Nationals did not have any players test positive during spring training prior to that. But in a what-are-the-odds moment, all three are set to start on opening day. To be pitching the same day as those guys is pretty cool.”MITTS AND MITTENSNolan Arenado, Kris Bryant and Miguel Cabrera will be wearing gloves on opening day.