MLB

LEADING OFF: Dodgers-Cubs open NLCS; Indians go for 2-0 leadBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors today:---PRIME TIME AT WRIGLEY FIELDThe Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series at 8:08 p.m. EDT. Four wins from their...

BALTIMORE (AP) All-Star reliever Darren O'Day and the Baltimore Orioles have completed a $31 million, four-year contract.The Orioles announced Monday that the 33-year-old free agent had re-signed with the team. He will make $6 million next year, $7 million in 2017 and $9 million the following two seasons....

LOS ANGELES (AP) Yu Darvish has struck out 1,000 batters faster than any starting pitcher in major league history. The Los Angeles Dodgers' right-hander fanned Colorado Rockies slugger Carlos Gonzalez in the fourth inning Friday night to reach 1,000 strikeouts in 128 career games and 812 innings. It was Darvish's sixth...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Royals traded away three top prospects to acquire Johnny Cueto for the playoffs, even though his winning pedigree has been established almost entirely in the regular season.He'll have an opportunity to change that Wednesday night.The right-hander with the creative cadre of deliveries will...

AP Sports WriterLovullo's 'love' at core of D-backs' surprising successBy BOB BAUMPHOENIX (AP) Love is not a word you hear often from coaches in any sport.Torey Lovullo uses it frequently.The 51-year-old first-year manager of baseball's surprising Arizona Diamondbacks has developed a symbiotic relationship with his players that's at...

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Jon Gray allowed two singles in four scoreless innings, helping his chances of making Colorado's rotation and leading the Rockies to 5-1 spring win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.Gray is one of four young pitchers hoping to replace Jhoulys Chacin, who was released in...

AP Sports WriterBryant's blast off Sale highlights Cubs' All-Star outingBy GREG BEACHAMSAN DIEGO (AP) Kris Bryant probably won't get another first-pitch fastball from White Sox ace Chris Sale when the Chicago Cubs slugger bats against the left-hander during the City Series in a couple of weeks.Back in his...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Astros have left veteran reliever Chad Qualls, part of their last playoff team in 2005, off their roster for their AL Division Series against the Kansas City Royals.Qualls was on the 25-man roster for the Astros' wild-card game against the Yankees but did...

Associated PressOverjoyed Chicago Cubs fans turn attention to World SeriesBy CARLA K. JOHNSONCHICAGO (AP) With a mix of euphoria, relief and disbelief, long-suffering Chicago Cubs fans are shaking off superstitions and setting their sights on the team's first World Series in 71 years.Loyal fans as far south as...

LEADING OFF: Cubs face Kershaw, try to end Series droughtBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors today:---ROCKIN' WRIGLEYIt's been 71 years since the Chicago Cubs reached the World Series. They can finally halt the drought with a victory at home against the Los Angeles...

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (AP) Many Kansas City fans lingered in Kauffman Stadium after Wednesday's 7-1 win over the New York Mets, knowing the next time they see the Royals in the flesh, it may be in a tickertape parade.Johnny Cueto pitched a complete game to give Kansas City...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired infielder-outfielder Garin Cecchini from the Boston Red Sox for cash.Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement Thursday after the winter meeting draft.The Red Sox designated Cecchini for assignment on Dec. 4. The 24-year-old Cecchini appeared in...