WILLY ADAMES

Baseball players are playing baseball. But mostly, baseball players are playing baseball, as they will from now until late October. #Braves RF Ronald Acuña Jr. doing Ronald Acuña Jr. things back home in Venezuela. Starting pitcher: Zack Wheeler, PhilliesStarting pitcher: Zac Gallen, DiamondbacksDespite how it might look, this is not name favoritism (neither of them spells it correctly, anyway). Instead, this is about watching pitchers level up in the public consciousness and in the hierarchy of active MLB aces.

[Batter up: Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for free today]You'll find a fun shortstop worthy of attention at pretty much every draft spot this year. Also, you might be surprised at how the outfield depth dries up in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts this year. [2023 Fantasy Positional Previews: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP | RP]Turner is changing teams, shifting from the high-powered Dodgers to the high-powered Phillies. Can Edman keep the leadoff spot in St. Louis, considering how many other quality offensive players this team has? Potential shortstop sleepersSleeper is a nebulous term with 1,000 definitions, so maybe Jeremy Peña won’t fit the suit for all.

[Batter up: Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for free today]You'll find a fun shortstop worthy of attention at pretty much every draft spot this year. Also, you might be surprised at how the outfield depth dries up in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts this year. Seager was shifted on 92.8 percent of the time last year, one of the highest rates in baseball. [2023 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP | RP]The White Sox roster isn't much different this year than last, but if the team can get a break on the health front, Chicago could easily jump back into the playoff mix. Potential Shortstop SleepersSleeper is a nebulous term with 1,000 different definitions, so maybe Jeremy Peña won't fit the suit for all.

Dodgers Brewers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Julio Urías continued his career-long pattern of shutting down lineups after the All-Star break. Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux homered to back Urías’ five solid innings, and the Dodgers blanked the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0 on Monday night. The Brewers got the leadoff man on base in each of the first three innings against Urías. The Dodgers added an unearned run in the fifth before Lux’s drive to left in the sixth made it 4-0.

Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux homered to back Julio Urías’ five solid innings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers blanked the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Odúbel Herrera homered as interim manager Rob Thomson and the streaking Philadelphia Phillies won their season-high seventh straight game, beating the sagging Milwaukee Brewers 8-3 on Thursday. It was the second consecutive three-game sweep for the Phillies under Thomson. He took over last Friday after manager Joe Girardi was fired, and Philadelphia swept the Los Angeles Angels before heading to Milwaukee. Harper homered for the second straight day, connecting off Brad Boxberger for his 15th of the season, a solo drive in the seventh for a 4-2 lead. Brewers: Adames started at short for the second straight game after being reinstated Friday from the 10-day injured list (high left ankle sprain).

Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Odúbel Herrera homered as interim manager Rob Thomson and the streaking Philadelphia Phillies won their season-high seventh straight game, beating the sagging Milwaukee Brewers 8-3.

Reds Brewers Baseball Milwaukee Brewers' Willy Adames celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Milwaukee. Left-hander Eric Lauer (2-0, 1.93 ERA) will face the World Series champions in their series opener — a rematch of an NL Division Series last year. Scherzer's streak began last July 18 with Washington and includes his entire stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Seattle manager Scott Servais said the team thinks Brash can best contribute in relief this year. Brash, who turns 24 next week, was 1-3 with a 7.65 ERA in five starts.

Milwaukee’s Willy Adames is powering a Brewers surge with seven homers in his past 10 games, including two during a 10-5 trouncing of Cincinnati on Thursday.

Reds Brewers Baseball Milwaukee Brewers' Willy Adames celebrates with Christian Yelich after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Willy Adames hit two of Milwaukee's six homers, and the Brewers beat the lowly Cincinnati Reds 10-5 on Thursday. Luis Urías, Christian Yelich, Tyrone Taylor and Keston Hiura also connected as Milwaukee won for the eighth time in nine games. Yelich finished with three hits and scored three times, and Adames had four RBIs. Brewers right-hander Adrian Houser (3-2) allowed five runs, four earned, and seven hits in five innings.

Willy Adames hit two of Milwaukee’s six homers, and the Brewers beat the lowly Cincinnati Reds 10-5.

Mets Brewers Baseball Milwaukee Brewers' Eduardo Escobar reacts after reaching base on a throwing error during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) (Aaron Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their second NL Central title in four years, beating the sloppy New York Mets 8-4 Sunday behind Willy Adames's two-run homer and three RBIs. Milwaukee completed a three-game sweep and sent the skidding Mets to their 10th loss in 11 games. Milwaukee, which also won the NL Central in 2011 and '18, already was assured of its fourth straight postseason berth. Milwaukee opened a 5-1 lead in the second when Yelich hit an RBI groundout and Eduardo Escobar hit a two-run double.

The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their second NL Central title in four years, beating the sloppy New York Mets 8-4 behind Willy Adames’s two-run homer and three RBIs.

Brewers Pirates Baseball Milwaukee Brewers' Willy Adames (27) rounds third to greetings from coach Jason Lane (40) after hitting a solo home run off Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher JT Brubaker during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Friday, July 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (Gene J. Puskar)PITTSBURGH — (AP) — Adrian Houser scattered four hits over 6 2/3 innings, and the Milwaukee Brewers extended their win streak to 10 games with a 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. Houser (5-5), allowed one run, struck out five and walked two in his longest outing since last August. The Brewers' current 10-game run matches the franchise's longest regular-season winning streak since 2003. Pirates: Placed INF Erik González on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain.

Adrian Houser scattered four hits over a season-high 6 2/3 innings, and the Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 7-2 victory over Pittsburgh.

Cubs Brewers Baseball Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Aaron Ashby throws to the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Brewers swept the three-game series and increased their NL Central lead to six games over Chicago. His error at shortstop helped the Cubs break loose at the start against Ashby. Called up from Triple-A to start, the 23-year-old Ashby -- and nephew of two-time All-Star pitcher Andy Ashby -- was in trouble right away. Willson Contreras led off the game with a single and the Cubs loaded the bases with no outs.

Cubs Brewers Baseball Milwaukee Brewers' Willy Adames tosses his bat after hitting a three-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) (Aaron Gash)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers earned their sixth straight win by producing their biggest inning since manager Craig Counsell's playing days. “That was a good day also.”Avisaíl García homered and drove in three runs for the Brewers. That was impressive.”Ian Happ and Patrick Wisdom each hit a two-run homer for the Cubs, who have lost four straight. UP NEXTRHP Zach Davies (5-4, 4.31 ERA) pitches for the Cubs and RHP Brandon Woodruff (6-3, 1.89) starts for the Brewers on Tuesday night.

Willy Adames and Keston Hiura each hit a three-run homer during a 10-run outburst in the eighth inning that lifted the Milwaukee Brewers a 14-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

The Baltimore Orioles have lost 14 straight games, the worst skid in the majors since Houston dropped 15 in a row in 2013.

Rich Hill finished May with the lowest monthly ERA in 75 years of a pitcher in his 40s, and the Tampa Bay Rays won for the 16th time in 17 games by keeping up their domination of the reeling Yankees with a 3-1 victory.

Doubt the Tampa Bay Rays at your own risk.

White Sox Yankees Baseball New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole follows through during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, May 22, 2021, in New York. The Yankees beat Chicago 7-0 Saturday for their fifth win in a row. RAYS NEWCOMERTampa Bay goes for its 10th straight victory with a lineup now boosted by rookie Taylor Walls. Atlanta has totaled 10 home runs in the past two games off Pittsburgh pitching. Harper is in a 2-for-25 slide with 13 strikeouts and Philadelphia has lost four in a row and six of seven.

Jameson Taillon tries to extend a streak of dominant starting pitching by the New York Yankees when he opposes Dallas Keuchel and the White Sox in the Bronx.

Rays Orioles Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Willy Adames slides into home while scoring on a single by Ji-Man Choi during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers acquired shortstop Willy Adames in a multiplayer trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. The Brewers also got pitcher Trevor Richards from the Rays for relievers J.P Feyereisen and Drew Rasmussen. The acquisition of Adames gives the Brewers some help at shortstop, which had been a growing concern. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired shortstop Willy Adames (pronounced ah-DAH-mes) and pitcher Trevor Richards from the Tampa Bay Rays for relievers J.

The Angels capped one of the most stunning days in franchise history by blowing a late three-run lead as Tampa Bay completed a four-game sweep. The Rays then broke it open in the eighth, sending 12 batters to the plate and getting six hits off three Angels pitchers. Josh Fleming (2-3) got the win for the Rays, who have won five straight and posted their first four-game sweep at Angel Stadium since 2012. The left-hander allowed three runs in five innings after Collin McHugh opened with two shutout innings and five strikeouts. Shohei Ohtani hit his 10th home run of the season for the Angels, who have dropped a season-high five in a row.

Mike Zunino homered, Brett Phillips had two hits during a seven-run eighth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied for an 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

The Los Angeles-area native largely dominated the Angels’ lineup until a rocky sixth, striking out eight for his fourth win in five starts. José Quintana (0-3) yielded five runs and six hits with nine strikeouts for the Angels while failing to get out of the fourth inning in another poor start. Yandy Díaz and Margot followed with RBI singles to interrupt the Rays' recent struggles with runners in scoring position. Margot added a two-run homer in the ninth. Angels: Reliever Mike Mayers went on the injured list with an unspecified ailment, and the club recalled LHP Patrick Sandoval.

Willy Adames and Manuel Margot homered, Mike Brosseau had a two-run single and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a seven-game California road trip with a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

In the final spring training game of the year, Betts hit two home runs Tuesday night and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-4. GOOD SIGNOn the final day of spring training, former All-Star pitcher Mike Soroka took a big step toward getting back on a regular-season mound. Ad“It was a perfect way to end a really good spring training on a positive note,” manager Brian Snitker said. Kolten Wong hit a two-run homer and Christian Yelich singled to finish spring training with a .393 batting average. AdDIAMONDBACKS 3, INDIANS 2At Phoenix, Diamondbacks starter Taylor Widener struck out seven over 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits.

Harris has a blood clot in his right arm and is leaving spring training camp to be examined by a specialist, manager Dave Martinez said Friday, March 19, 2021. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via AP)Washington Nationals reliever Will Harris has a blood clot in his right arm and the team doesn't expect him to be in the bullpen on opening day. Carlos Martínez struggled in his fourth start for St. Louis. DODGERS 7, RANGERS 2Julio Urías made his fourth start for Los Angeles, allowing two hits in four shutout innings, striking out three. Adrian Houser made his fourth start.

TWINS 1, ORIOLES 0 (7 INNINGS)Minnesota ace Kenta Maeda allowed one hit in three innings, striking out four in his second start. Baltimore's Dean Kremer fared better in his second start, allowing a hit and a walk in three scoreless innings. Deivi García pitched three shutout innings in his second start for the Yankees. Nick Pivetta made his second start for Boston, allowing a run on three hits with three strikeouts in three innings. Alex Wood worked two innings in the start for San Francisco and gave up a home run to Omar Narvaez.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Corey Seager hits a RBI-single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Corey Seager hit a rare October double, becoming Most Valuable Player of the World Series after earning the honor for the League Championship Series. Just as Orel Hershiser did when the Los Angeles Dodgers won their previous World Series title in 1988. The previous MVP of both a League Championship Series and the World Series in the same year was San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner in 2014. Seager missed the 2017 NL Championship Series because of a back injury, then returned for the World Series against Houston and hit .222 (6 for 27) with four RBIs.

He wasn't on the field initially as the Dodgers enjoyed the spoils of a title earned during a most unusual season. The 35-year-old Turner has been a staple in the Dodgers’ lineup for seven of their eight consecutive NL West titles. Los Angeles had come up short in the World Series twice in the previous three years. The Rays had 16 Ks and the Dodgers 11, the most combined strikeouts in a nine-inning World Series game. “This year has been crazy, but no matter what, we’ll look back on this and we’re World Series champs.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner flies out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays a baseball World Series Game 6 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. ___10:10 p.m.With postseason star Julio Urías on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers are clinging to a 2-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays heading into the eighth inning. The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 3-2 World Series lead into Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, one win from their first title since 1988. “I don’t know if we’ve got any Tampa Bay Rays fans here in Orlando,” Obama said. The Globe Life Field roof will be closed for Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Tampa Bay Rays' Manuel Margot is tagged out at home by Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes trying to steal during the fourth inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Manuel Margot snuck a few steps down the line and took off toward home plate, trying to steal a run for Tampa Bay. The lefty struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings when the Rays won 6-4 in Game 2 last Wednesday. Will Smith was the Dodgers catcher at the end of Saturday night's game, when he missed the ball trying to make a quick sweeping tag on Arozarena. The catcher didn't realize Arozarena had tumbled to the ground before getting up and eventually diving home.

“I think a lot of credit goes to what he’s been able to do in this World Series for us.”Kershaw even prevented the Rays from stealing the tying run. Kershaw’s formidable resume has lacked two of the most satisfying achievements: a win deep in the World Series and a championship ring. “Kersh, a lot of credit goes to him for what we’ve been able to do in this World Series,” Treinen said. Provided a 3-0 lead, Kershaw allowed Tampa Bay to pull within a run in the third when Kiermaier singled, Yandy Díaz tripled on a ball down the right-field line that skipped past Betts and Arozarena’s single. He sets records with nine postseason homers allowed and three wild pitches in a Series game, tying a mark with two wild pitches in an inning.

Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The roof will be closed Sunday night because of dreary conditions and an increasing chance of rain into the night. Bellinger, a National League Gold Glove finalist, was listed in center field for Game 5 after he was a late switch to designated hitter a night earlier because of back stiffness. Against Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow in Game 5, Pederson was in left and Taylor at second base. The rest was changed from Game 4, with left field Hunter Renfroe batting fifth, ahead of Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Clayton Kershaw could take the mound Sunday night with a chance to close out the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first World Series title since 1988. Now the 6-foot-1, 260-pound Rays first baseman is doing full splits in the World Series. Choi is the first Korean-born position player to appear in a World Series game, which he called an honor while crediting the “special group of guy” — his teammates and them getting there together. Clayton felt the same way.”Betts is a four-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner who helped the Red Sox beat the Dodgers in the 2018 World Series. “Just understanding that if we do things the right way in spring training, we’ll do those things all the way through the World Series.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Latest on Game 4 of the World Series (all times local):5:55 p.m. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a tweak to their starting lineup just before they completed batting practice ahead of the start of Game 4. Just more than an hour before playing the Tampa Bay Rays, the Dodgers said Cody Bellinger would be the designated hitter and AJ Pollock would be in center field. The Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches in the World Series opener, his only action since pitching five innings against Houston in the AL Championship Series on Oct. 13.

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner celebrates their win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. Dodgers beat the Rays 6-2 to lead the series 2-1 games. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Tampa Bay Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order and seven in all against Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías in World Series Game 4 on Saturday night. The Rays started four right-handed hitters at the top of their batting order. Yarbrough threw 19 pitches in the World Series opener, his only action since pitching five innings against Houston in the AL Championship Series on Oct. 13.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner hits a double against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in Game 3 of the baseball World Series Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. 10 Los Angeles Dodgers jersey and all of those postseason hits. A month shy of turning 36, Turner also scored after a two-out double and showed off a nifty glove at third base. Turner's 40 RBIs are Dodgers postseason record. His record 18th postseason double came in the third before scoring on Max Muncy’s two-run single for a 3-0 lead.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Walker Buehler pitched in the World Series like the Los Angeles Dodgers' aces of old. Buehler struck out 10 over six innings in a pulsating performance, and Los Angeles beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Friday night for a 2-1 World Series lead. He became just the second player to drive in runs with both a homer and a sacrifice bunt in the same Series game. Steely-eyed like Hershiser, who won MVP honors of the 1988 Series, Buehler has supplanted Kershaw as the Dodgers’ ace. He has allowed one run in 13 Series innings that include seven scoreless in Game 3 against Boston two years ago.

Justin Turner and Austin Barnes homered for Los Angeles, and Max Muncy had two hits and two RBIs heading into the eighth. ___7:25 p.m.Justin Turner put the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead 1-0 in the first inning, homering on Charlie Morton’s 14th pitch. That tied the team record set by Duke Snider over 36 games with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954 to 1959. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the visiting team for Game 3 of the World Series, and batting first. An average of 10.42 runs have been scored in the postseason games in Arlington, including 21 total runs in the first two World Series games.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Alex Wood has experience starting in the World Series for the Dodgers. The lefty was the sixth of seven Dodgers pitchers in a planned bullpen game, a 6-4 loss Wednesday night that evened the World Series at a game each. He threw the final two innings of Game 7 won by Houston, then made three relief appearances in the 2018 World Series soon before getting traded. “I came here for one reason and one reason only, and that was to win a World Series. MEETING MOOKIETampa Bay shortstop Willy Adames and Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts hugged when they met at second base during the World Series opener.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – The Los Angeles Dodgers are going with rookie right-hander Tony Gonsolin to start Game 2 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. KERSHAW KsDodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw became only the second pitcher ever with at least 200 postseason strikeouts. His 112 pitches were a career high, and the most for any Rays pitcher since July 2018. Now Cash is leading the Rays in their first World Series since 2008, which is being played in the Rangers' new $1.2 billion stadium. It was a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series.

Behind the pitching of Clayton Kershaw and the speed and power of Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 after seven innings. ___8:45 p.m.Cody Bellinger’s two-run homer has given Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays after four innings. The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow each pitched scoreless first innings in the World Series opener. It is a pleasant night for the first World Series game played in Arlington since 2011, when the Rangers played in their second consecutive World Series. ___4:37 p.m.Pentatonix will sing the national anthem before Game 1 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger celebrates his home run with Enrique Hernandez against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game 7 of a baseball National League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Cody Bellinger was in his normal spot in the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The rest of the Rays lineup had second baseman Brandon Lowe batting second, ahead of Randy Arozarena, who has seven homers this postseason. Right fielder Hunter Renfroe was batting fourth, followed by left fielder Manuel Margot, third baseman Joey Wendle, shortstop Willy Adames, center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and catcher Mike Zunino. Kiermaier was still dealing with a sore left wrist after getting hit by a 99 mph fastball in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series against Houston.

George Springer and José Altuve delivered big hits, Framber Valdéz pitched six brilliant innings and the Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the third straight time, 7-4 Friday to force a deciding Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. Despite blowing a 3-0 series lead, they remain one win from the second World Series in franchise history — and one loss from joining the 2004 Yankees in ignominy. Game 7 on Saturday night will feature the pitchers who started and finished Houston’s Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He has yet to win a World Series as a manager. As a player, he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win four straight World Series games in 1981 after falling behind the New York Yankees 0-2.

The Astros defeated the Rays 4-3 and the Rays lead the series 3-2 games. The Astros forced Game 6 on Friday, a rematch of the first game started by left-handers Blake Snell of Tampa Bay and Valdéz. Otherwise, big league clubs leading 3-0 in a best-of-seven postseason series are 37-1. Correa also hit a walkoff homer in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS off Aroldis Chapman of the New York Yankees. Houston became the first team with a leadoff and walk-off home run in a postseason game.

With Altuve atoning for his poor defense this series, the Astros finally got their offense going after being pushed to the brink of a sweep. Altuve hit a solo homer in the first and an RBI double in the third for a 2-0 lead. He and Springer are tied for the most homers in Astros postseason history, 18. It was the third of the postseason for Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series. THE CUBAN ROCKETArozarena’s 19 hits are the fourth-most by a rookie in a single postseason and his nine extra-base hits are the most in Rays postseason history.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)SAN DIEGO – Kevin Kiermaier and the Tampa Bay Rays — with big assists from two former Padres who know Petco Park's outfield well — are one win from the second World Series berth in franchise history. “We’ve played just tremendous defense all season long,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. Kiermaier, the longest-tenured Tampa Bay player, said it was “an amazing feeling” to be so close to going to the Fall Classic. Wendle lined a single off third baseman Alex Bregman's glove to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead. Paredes hit Kiermaier on the hand to load the bases and then grazed Willy Adames on the pinkie with a pitch to bring in another run.

Asked which was bigger in the 4-2 victory against the Houston Astros, Margot said through a translator: “Definitely the home run. He played one game in right field in 2016 and the rest of his time in San Diego was spent in center. “To have the ability to know where you’re at, and kind of be able to say, ‘Forget it, I know I’m going to hit something but I’m going in,’ and still hang on to the ball, was really, really impressive,” manager Kevin Cash said. It was an unbelievable play that he made on the right field line, putting himself in a dangerous place. “Everybody is really, really supportive of him and just so happy for what he's accomplished.”Morton improved to 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA in the last two postseasons.

Castillo had thrown 29 pitches Friday night in the 2-1 win against the New York Yankees that clinched the AL Division Series. Houston, which got into the playoffs with a 29-31 record, is in the ALCS for the fourth straight season and is trying to advance to the World Series for the third time in that span. The Astros are villains in many people’s eyes for their sign-stealing scandal three years ago, when they beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Tampa Bay is trying to reach its second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. Rays: Morton got the decision in the Rays’ 8-4 win against the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALDS.

(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO – Mike Brosseau said he wasn't seeking revenge against hard-throwing Aroldis Chapman, just the chance to keep playing. Brosseau drove a 100 mph fastball into the left field seats at Petco Park for the Rays' third hit. Brosseau and Chapman have a history: Chapman threw a 101 mph fastball near Brosseau’s head Sept. 1 in the ninth inning of a Rays’ 5-3 victory. After winning the AL Division Series 3-2, Tampa Bay will stay in San Diego to face the Houston Astros in the AL Championship Series starting Sunday night. Tampa Bay was eliminated by the Astros in the ALDS last year.

(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO – The Tampa Bay Rays are unanimous in their praise of Randy Arozarena, who is living up to his nickname, “The Cuban Rocket." Arozarena hit a shot deep to left leading off the fifth Wednesday night to chase Masahiro Tanaka and give Tampa Bay a 5-1 lead. The Rays took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Division Series. On Tuesday night, Rays starter Tyler Glasnow called Arozarena “the best baseball player on earth right now. He lasted two-thirds of an inning against the Rays on Sept. 2, allowing two-run homers to Arozarena and Mike Brosseau.

Hunter Renfroe hit a grand slam and the top-seeded Rays won a postseason series for the first time in 12 years, overpowering the young Toronto Blue Jays 8-2 Wednesday to finish a two-game sweep of their wild-card matchup. Mike Zunino hit a two-run homer off Blue Jays ace Hyun Jin Ryu during Tampa Bay's big inning. Ryu was rocked for a season-high seven runs in 1 2/3 innings, the lefty's shortest outing of the season for the wild-card Blue Jays. I’m proud of my kids to make it to this point," second-year Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. Ryu signed with the Blue Jays in free agency last winter after being an All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers and finishing second in NL Cy Young Award balloting in 2019.

That’s probably the worst thing we can do as a team,” Blue Jays third baseman Cavan Biggio said. Diego Castillo, Nick Anderson and Pete Fairbanks followed the starter, limiting the Blue Jays to two singles, two doubles and Bo Bichette's eighth-inning sacrifice fly the rest of the way. The wild-card Blue Jays broke through in the eighth against Anderson, didn't allow a run in 18 of 19 regular season appearances. He’s pretty good,” said Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, who served on Cash's staff with the Rays from 2015-18. UP NEXTLefty Hyun Jin Ryu starts for the Blue Jays against right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who’s been Tampa Bay’s best pitcher.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow winds up during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK After a decade spent chasing their big-budget AL East rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays are pummeling the New York Yankees. The AL East leaders improved to 7-1 against the Yankees this season and stretched their division cushion to 4 1/2 games. TRAINER'S ROOMRays: 3B Yandy Daz was pulled with left hamstring tightness in the fifth and is day to day. UP NEXTYankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka (0-1, 3.48 ERA) will start on extended five days' rest against Rays RHP Trevor Richards (0-0, 4.71).

Tampa Bay Rays' Brandon Lowe, right, and Willy Adames celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox during a baseball game, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Boston. The Red Sox (6-13), who own the ALs worst record, have lost four straight. Rays starter Tyler Glasnow went four innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, striking out eight and walking two. Red Sox: SS Xander Bogaerts had the day off. Red Sox: Roenicke said itll be a bullpen game in the opener of a four-game series against the Yankees in New York on Friday.

The Blue Jays were blocked by the Canadian government from hosting this season because of coronavirus concerns, and hopes of shifting home games to other big league cities didn't work out. First of all, this whole year has been crazy, but its been especially crazy for our team, Biggio said. You get an opening day start usually because of what you did the year before," Morton said. Blue Jays starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, second in NL Cy Young voting when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, allowed three runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings. Toronto manager Charlie Montoyo said it felt awesome after all the uncertainty the Blue Jays have endured recently.

Associated PressST. PETERSBURG - Willy Adames homered and made a sensational relay throw from shortstop, Tommy Pham also went deep and the Tampa Bay Rays chased Justin Verlander early in beating the Houston Astros 4-1 Tuesday night to even their AL Division Series at two games apiece. Ryan Yarbrough and five other pitchers combined on a six-hitter for Tampa Bay. Verlander, starting on short rest after dominating the wild-card Rays in Game 1, looked uncomfortable on the mound and was pulled in the fourth after giving up four runs. The best-of-five series shifts back to Houston for a decisive Game 5 on Thursday. Adames homered leading off the fourth to make it 4-0, and the Houston ace didn't make it through the inning.