MLB

AP Sports WriterGirardi takes blame, 'feels horrible' for Yanks' Game 2 lossBy JAKE SEINERNEW YORK (AP) After a crushing loss, Yankees manager Joe Girardi spent the night pondering his decision not to challenge a critical hit-by-pitch call during a game-changing sixth inning.His verdict?''I screwed up.''Girardi took the blame...

AP Sports WriterIndians' Encarnacion "much better," eyeing postseason returnBy JAKE SEINERNEW YORK (AP) Even on their days off, things keep going right for the Cleveland Indians.Slugger Edwin Encarnacion is hoping to play again this postseason after spraining his right ankle during a frightening moment in Game 2 of...

AP Sports WriterPeacock embraces last chance with powerful AstrosBy KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) When Brad Peacock headed to spring training with the Houston Astros in February, he was so worried he wouldn't make team that he told his then-pregnant wife, Stephanie, that he might end up playing in Japan...

AP Sports WriterCubs' bullpen implodes in Game 2 loss to NationalsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Carl Edwards Jr. knew the ball was gone as soon as it left his hand. Mike Montgomery wasn't sure until it went just over the fence.The sinking feeling was the same for each reliever,...

AP Sports WriterIndians' Encarnacion hurts ankle ligament, status uncertainBy JAKE SEINERNEW YORK (AP) Cleveland Indians slugger Edwin Encarnacion is hoping to play again this postseason after sustaining ligament damage in his right ankle during Game 2 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees.Manager Terry Francona...

AP Sports WriterCubs' bullpen implodes in Game 2 loss to NationalsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Carl Edwards Jr. knew the ball was gone as soon as it left his hand. Mike Montgomery wasn't sure until it went just over the fence.The sinking feeling was the same for each reliever,...

AP Baseball WriterAces low: Lots of top pitchers getting pounded in playoffsBy BEN WALKERClayton Kershaw, raked for four home runs. Corey Kluber, clubbed. Chris Sale, swatted. Luis Severino, slammed.This is October, right? The time when All-Star aces excel?''I mean, I really don't know. You kind of have seen it...

LEADING OFF: Astros, Indians seek sweeps; HR-happy playoffsBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Sunday:---BROOMS IN BOSTON?Jose Altuve and the Astros are at Fenway Park, trying to finish off a sweep of the Red Sox in the AL Division Series. Houston won the first...

Nats' Harper says he's improving after returning from injuryWASHINGTON (AP) A day after saying he felt great, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper acknowledged he could still get better more than two weeks after returning from a knee injury.Harper said Saturday before Game 2 of the NL Division Series against...

Cubs make big lineup changes, Nats make none for NLDS Game 2WASHINGTON (AP) While the Chicago Cubs are making big changes to their Game 2 lineup against a left-hander, the Washington Nationals are making none after mustering just two hits in their Game 1 loss.Facing Nationals lefty Gio...

AP Baseball WriterAces low: Lots of top pitchers getting pounded in playoffsBy BEN WALKERClayton Kershaw, raked for four home runs. Corey Kluber, clubbed. Chris Sale, swatted. Luis Severino, slammed.This is October, right? The time when All-Star aces excel?''I mean, I really don't know. You kind of have seen it...

Nationals assistant hitting coach Jacque Jones suspendedWASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Nationals say that assistant hitting coach Jacque Jones has been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation.The team says the suspension is connected to a legal matter.The club announced Jones' suspension less than a half-hour before the scheduled...