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BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles trudged off the field following a historic loss http://www.metsfanproshop.com/authentic-jason-vargas-jersey , still not absorbing that they are part of one of the worst teams in franchise history.The Orioles lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4 on Tuesday. It was the team’s 108th loss, the most in a season since arriving in Baltimore in 1954.“You’re either playing in October or you’re not,” manager Buck Showalter said. “But these types of things make people think how far away you are. Like I said before, those things can change quickly. A lot of things can get better.”The 1988 Orioles opened the season 0-21 and held the previous record for losses with a 54-107 finish. The overall franchise record for defeats is 111 set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns — a mark that could also be eclipsed by this year’s team.The Orioles led 4-2 in the seventh before a throwing error by third baseman Steve Wilkerson on a grounder by Teoscar Hernández allowed two runs to score. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. followed with a two-RBI single off reliever Paul Fry that that provided the margin of victory.Gurriel has reached base safely in 34 of his last 38 starts, batting .316 in that stretch.“I’ve noticed that (pitchers) changed a little bit, the way they approach me, and they are a little bit more careful,” Gurriel said through an interpreter. “But I have to do the same thing on my side to make adjustments. But I hit the ball hard lately, as well. I knew that was going to happen.”Dylan Bundy (8-15) started strong for the Orioles before being lifted with two outs in the seventh when the game unraveled. He was charged with five runs (two earned) and seven hits and six strikeouts. Bundy did not allow a home run for the first time since June 23, a span of 13 consecutive starts.“The season ain’t over yet, so I haven’t really wrapped my head around it yet,” Bundy said about the 108 losses. “I haven’t really thought about it too much. Just try to show up to work every day and get better.”Reliever Jake Petricka (3-1) pitched two scoreless innings. Tyler Clippard held the Orioles down in the eighth http://www.metsfanproshop.com/authentic-pedro-martinez-jersey , setting up Ken Giles to earn his 23rd save.“Sometimes you win ugly, sometimes you win pretty,” Toronto manager John Gibbons said.Cedric Mullins led off the first inning with his fourth home run.The Orioles extended the lead to 4-0 off Aaron Sanchez in the fourth. Trey Mancini led off with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by Breyvic Valera. Mancini was initially called out but a review showed he touched the plate before catcher Reese McGuire applied the tag. DJ Stewart followed with his first career single and Chris Davis scored on a throwing error by right fielder Billy McKinney. Stewart scored on a throwing error by Sanchez.“You run through things many times in your head about how you think it’s going to go, but that’s the great thing about this game,” Stewart said about his first hit. “You never know what it will bring you and I’m just happy I got it done.”The Blue Jays got on the board in the fifth on an RBI single by Dwight Smith Jr. A fielder’s choice by Justin Smoak an inning later cut the margin to 4-2.ANOTHER FIRST FOR ORIOLESThe Orioles players and coaches wore specially designed jerseys and became the first American pro team to wear jerseys with Braille lettering. Tuesday was National Federation of the Blind Night at Oriole Park, in recognition of the team moving its headquarters to Baltimore 40 years ago.DOMINANCEThe Blue Jays have struggled, but more than 20 percent of their wins have come against Baltimore, going 14-4. Toronto can complete a three-game sweep Wednesday.TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: RHP Alex Cobb (blister) threw off a mound, but there is no timetable for his return. RHP Andrew Cashner is making progress with his injured knee, but manager Buck Showalter was uncertain if he will be pitch again this season. “Obviously, they’re both going to be with us next year and that will take precedent, to make sure that it’s in the best interest of their health Giancarlo Stanton Jersey ,” Showalter said. . Rookie RHP Luis Ortiz (hamstring) will not pitch over the final two weeks.UP NEXTBlue Jays: Marco Estrada (7-12, 5.75 ERA) was moved up a day after throwing only 55 pitches in his last outing against the Yankees, allowing eight runs and six hits.Orioles: Jimmy Yacabonis (0-2, 7.22 ERA) will make his fifth start of the season. ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves swept a three-game series in Pittsburgh last week, holding the Pirates to two total runs.The Braves, though, scored only nine runs themselves, and two of the victories were by one run.The teams meet in a three-game series at Atlanta’s SunTrust Park beginning Friday night with the Braves trying to hold off Philadelphia in the National League East and the Pirates no longer in playoff contention.Article continues below ...Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.05 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Braves in the series opener, with fellow right-hander Jameson Taillon (10-9, 3.49) set to get the starting assignment for the Pirates.The Braves (74-59) saw their lead in the NL East cut to three games over the idle Phillies with a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs in a makeup game Thursday night.It was the Braves’ sixth loss in their past seven home games and left them just 35-30 at SunTrust Park compared to 39-29 away from Atlanta.After losing two of three in St. Louis, the Pirates (65-69) are 12-20 since putting together an 11-game winning streak in July that kindled playoff hopes for the NL Central team. Taillon http://www.yankeesfanproshop.com/authentic-derek-jeter-jersey , who is in his third major-league season, has never faced the Braves, and it has been two years since 13-year veteran Sanchez faced the Pirates, against whom he is 3-5 with a 3.62 ERA in eight career starts. Sanchez, 34, lost his two most recent starts, but allowed just nine hits and four runs over 12 1/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins.After allowing two hits over five scoreless innings at Miami on Saturday, Sanchez allowed a run in the sixth that put the Braves behind for good. He then left the game with two outs in the sixth with what the Braves termed right hamstring tightness.“He didn’t pop it, didn’t pull it, it was more I think probably a dehydration thing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said afterward.Sanchez has had no lingering issues with the hamstring, although the injury did throw him off against the Marlins. “In the last hitters Alex Rodriguez Jersey , I started thinking I can push my body and that’s why I lost my command,” Sanchez said.Taillon, 26, hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 22 and has a 2.95 ERA in the 16 starts since then.Taillon gave up one run in a victory over Milwaukee in his most recent outing on Saturday, going at least six innings for the sixth straight time and the eighth time in his past nine starts.“I knew the team needed innings,” Taillon said after beating the Brewers. “I enjoy that feeling. When the team needs me, that kind of sparks some extra energy.”Taillon has been especially tough on the road of late, going 6-2 with a 2.44 ERA in his last nine outings away from Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh is 9-18 against the NL East. Atlanta is 15-11 versus the NL Central.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Willians Astudillo has quickly become a fan favorite in Minnesota. Games like the one Astudillo had Thursday only help add to the reputation of the player affectionately known as “La Tortuga.”Astudillo had a career-high four RBIs http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-yan-gomes-jersey , Tyler Austin added three and the Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 9-3.Astudillo, playing in his 26th big league game, capped Minnesota’s five-run third inning when his two-out single drove in a pair of runs to give the Twins the lead. He also added a two-run double in the fifth.“I’m just trying to go out there and try to swing at good pitches and it’s working out for me so far,” Astudillo said through a translator. “Just swinging at good pitches, and thankfully I’m executing.”Minnesota took two of three against Detroit in the final series between the teams this year. The Twins won the season series 12-7.Tigers starter Francisco Liriano (5-12) left after just 2 1/3 innings due to lower back tightness. The former Twin exited with the bases loaded and wound up being charged with four runs.“He was having a hard time breathing out there,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He was trying not to land hard on his front foot, every time he landed hard on his front foot, he felt shooting pain. Just got to get him out of the game.”It was Liriano’s shortest start since the last time he faced the Twins back on Aug. 16, when he went just 1 2/3 innings.“This is not the way you want to finish the year, especially when you’re going to be a free agent,” Liriano said. “Very disappointed. I tried to pitch through it, but it didn’t get better, it was getting worse.”Austin tied the game in the third with a double that scored Joe Mauer and Logan Forsythe. He also plated Forsythe in the fifth inning with a ground-rule double.Astudillo has put together some impressive numbers since debuting with Minnesota in late June. Including Thursday’s two-hit, four-RBI game, Astudillo is now batting .357 with 19 RBIs. In the last two weeks Kenny Lofton Jersey , Astudillo is hitting .415 (22 for 53) and has 15 RBIs in that span.With a roster very much in question heading into the offseason, Astudillo is doing what he can to make a case for a roster spot in 2019.“It’s important, these guys that are trying to get at least somewhat established,” said Twins manager Paul Molitor. “It takes longer than a month to get yourself on the map, but you can make an impression.”The versatile Astudillo also struck out on a check swing in the second inning, just the third time on what was his 83rd plate appearance that he’s struck out with the Twins.“He doesn’t get to two strikes all that often,” Molitor said. “I was surprised to see a couple three-ball counts today. Liriano’s slider got him.”The Tigers threatened in the fifth with the bases loaded and one out. Minnesota reliever Matt Magill recorded two big outs to end the inning. Magill struck out Grayson Greiner looking before getting JaCoby Jones to go down swinging for the third out.Minnesota once again employed the opening pitcher strategy, with Gabriel Moya tossing just the first inning. The lefty gave up the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly by Nicholas Castellanos.Stephen Gonsalves (2-2) took over for Moya in the second and pitched 3 1/3 innings. Gonsalves was tagged for a pair of runs on three hits and four walks but earned his second career win.TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: Molitor didn’t sound optimistic that 3B Miguel Sano (leg) would return in the team’s final few games this season. “Each day it’s looking less and less,” Molitor said. “He’s not really changing how he’s feeling, and I’m certainly not going to be someone to push him out there if he’s not comfortable playing.” Sano last played on Sept. 18.UP NEXTTigers: RHP Jordan Zimmermann starts Friday’s game against the Brewers at Miller Park. He’s winless in his last three outings.Twins: RHP Jose Berrios (11-11, 3.93 ERA) starts the first game of a doubleheader Friday against the White Sox. Berrios is looking for his first win since Aug. 4. Two of the most decorated franchises in Major League Baseball are still alive in the postseason.The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox have 31 World Series appearances between them, while their opponents, the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers, have been to a combined three World Series.After the first two games of the ALCS and NLCS, the Dodgers and Astros appear to be in the best shape to advance to the Fall Classic since they each picked up a road victory.If the Astros and Dodgers make it to the World Series http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-jim-thome-jersey , they'll participate in the first World Series rematch since 1978, when the Dodgers took on the Yankees (New Yorkwon both).Boston is aiming to get back to the World Series for the first time since winning the championship in 2013, while Milwaukee is in search of its first Fall Classic berth since 1982.2018 World Series ScheduleGame 1:Tuesday, October 23 (Time TBD, Fox)Game 2:Wednesday, October 24 (Time TBD, Fox)Game 3:Friday, October 26 (Time TBD, Fox)Game 4:Saturday, October 27 (Time TBD, Fox)Game 5:Sunday, October 28 (Time TBD, Fox)Game 6:Tuesday, October 30 (Time TBD, Fox)Game 7:Wednesday Manny Ramirez Jersey , October 31 (Time TBD, Fox) PicksLos Angeles DodgersBefore the NLCS began, the Brewers appeared to have an advantage because of their hot bats, home field and strong bullpen.In two games, the Dodgers erased that home-field advantage by winning Game 2, held the Brewers to a .269 batting average and scored eight runs off Milwaukee's relievers.The Dodgers could take a commanding 2-1 lead Monday, with the impressive Walker Buehler starting.Jeff Roberson/Associated PressJustinTurner's game-winning home run in Game 2 might turn out to be the most important play of the series. Leadoff hitter Chris Taylor leads the series with five hits, and Manny Machado has a home run and three RBI out of the cleanup hole.Adding Turner's production out of the No. 2 spot in the lineup makes the Dodgers even more difficult to contain, and it puts the pressure on Milwaukee to match that level of production.One of the biggest concerns for the Brewers heading into the three games at Dodger Stadium is Christian Yelich's cold streak at the plate.The National League MVP front-runner has one hit in eight at-bats and has struck out on three occasions, while Ryan Braun is also 1-for-8 in the heart of the Milwaukee order.The other problem the Brewers have to deal with is the effectiveness of their bullpen and how manager Craig Counsell arranges his pitchers after he takes out his starter.Counsell removed Gio Gonzalez and Wade Miley earlier than he should have in Games 1 and 2, which led to the bullpen being overworked.If the Brewers are able to get quality outings out of their starters, beginning with Jhoulys Chacin in Game 3, they should be able to hold up against a Dodgers team that has a much easier time getting the ball to closer Kenley Jansen because of the long starts out of their staff.However, one slip-up will cost the Brewers, as the Dodgers lineup appears to be finding its form at the perfect time. Boston Red SoxBoston responded to a Game 1 defeat at home with a 7-5 victory at Fenway Park on Sunday night.Although David Price didn't get credit for the victory Danny Salazar Jersey , he pitched 4.2 decent innings to keep the Red Sox in the lead.If he's able to throw five or six innings without being torched by Houston in his next start, the Red Sox will take it.David J. Phillip/Associated PressBefore we can even think about a Chris Sale vs. Justin Verlander rematch of any kind in one or more of the final three games of the ALCS, the focus must shine on Games 3 and 4.Nathan Eovaldi and Rick Porcello will take the mound for the Red Sox against Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton, and while those matchups aren't the most intriguing on paper, they're going to make both games tight.Eovaldi is the only pitcher of the quartet with little playoff experience, but he impressed in his first career postseason start in Game 3 of the ALDS.The difference-making bats in the series have yet to emerge, as both teams are hitting .188 through two games despite combining for 21 runs.The Astros will hit more home runs over the course of the series, but the Red Soxwill be able to get more runners on base in order to capitalize on scoring opportunities.American League MVP favorite Mookie Betts will be the catalyst of Boston's lineup, as he'll add to his three ALCS hits with seven more in Houston.By setting the tone early through Betts, the Red Sox starters should be able to settle into a rhythm with a lead behind them.By following that path to victory in three of the remaining five games, the Red Sox will advance back to the World Series for a high-profile showdown with the Dodgers.Follow Joe on Twitter, JTansey90.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Adams could see something special going on with the St. Louis Cardinals from the opposing side of the field with the Washington Nationals.He recognized the solid pitching and timely hitting that have made the Cardinals baseball’s hottest team in the dog days of August. So Adams couldn’t believe his luck when he found out St. Louis had claimed him off waivers earlier this week.The move brings Adams back to the organization that drafted him in 2009. More importantly Steve Pearce Jersey , he’s on a team that has gone from wild-card hopeful to threatening the NL Central-leading Cubs.“They’re playing with a fire and taking every pitch like it’s the last pitch they’ll ever play,” Adams said. “How they go about their daily business is something special to watch.”St. Louis has undergone quite a transformation since firing manager Mike Matheny on July 14.At that time, the Cardinals were 47-46 and trailed the Cubs by 7 ½ games. After sweeping the Dodgers on Wednesday to win their eighth consecutive series, the Cardinals have won 24 of 35 and are 17-4 this month to pull within 2 ½ games of Chicago.They’re tied for the NL’s top wild-card spot, too.Riding an eight-game road winning streak, St. Louis visits Colorado on Friday. The Cardinals are 37-29 away from home this season.“Everyone’s kind of getting amped up,” second baseman Kolten Wong said.The turnaround is happening under bench coach Mike Shildt, who replaced Matheny when he was fired after seven years in a dramatic move by a club that hasn’t changed managers often. Matheny was just the second since 1996.Shildt began as a scout with the Cardinals organization and eventually combined those duties with being a part-time minor league coach. Elevating the 50-year-old veteran to interim status has gone over well in the clubhouse.“Shildt’s been really good at letting us play our own game and letting us play the way we want to play. That’s the biggest thing,” Wong said. “We have so many different personalities and different guys in this clubhouse. You just have to allow people to be themselves and eventually people are going to mesh together.”Adams is eager to contribute, although there is no defined role for him. He could see time at first base against right-handed pitching or in left field with Marcell Ozuna on the disabled list or in right field.The Cardinals could use his left-handed bat off the bench. He hit 56 homers in his six previous seasons with the team.“I just kind of want to stay out of everybody’s way and do my part and mesh with them,” Adams said. “I don’t want to be that guy who comes in here and tries to do too much and messes up something special.”The Cardinals outscored Los Angeles 13-6 over three games in their first sweep at Dodger Stadium since 2006 http://www.bluejaysfanproshop.com/authentic-aaron-loup-jersey , putting the five-time defending NL West champions into a tailspin.St. Louis is succeeding with a mix of youngsters and veterans that have embraced each other.Rookies Jack Flaherty, Dakota Hudson and Jordan Hicks combined to hold the Dodgers to two hits Wednesday, when rookie Tyler O’Neill tied the game with a homer and Paul DeJong won it with a two-run shot.Yadier Molina has found his stride, too, hitting a go-ahead two-run homer Tuesday. Wong made what Shildt called a “Gold Glove-caliber” defensive play the same night. The defense is holding the opposition to an average of 3.44 runs, best in the NL since the All-Star break.“These guys have ability and they have aggression. They believe in themselves and they’re in attack mode,” Shildt said. “It’s about not giving in, regardless of the situation.”In just over a month, the Cardinals have gone from a team in line to miss the playoffs for a third straight year — something they haven’t done since 1997-99 — to contending for a division title.Adams has fond memories of his previous playoff runs with the Cardinals.“I want to get back there this year,” he said. ATLANTA (AP) — Rookie star Ronald Acuna Jr. was back in the lineup for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, one day after being plunked in the left arm with a pitch that sparked a national debate about whether it’s ever acceptable to throw at a hitter intentionally.Acuna said his elbow felt fine less than 24 hours after he took a 97 mph fastball from Miami’s Jose Urena .Major League Baseball doled out a six-game suspension to the Marlins pitcher.In the opener of an important four-game series against the Colorado Rockies Matt Adams Jersey , Acuna received a standing ovation from the crowd at SunTrust Park. He playfully patted umpire Pat Hoberg on his way to the plate and started the bottom of the first with a sharp single up the middle.The 20-year-old phenom finished 1 for 4, snapping a streak of five straight games with a homer that tied a franchise record. In his final chance to set a mark all his own, Acuna lined out to right in the eighth. The Rockies rallied for three unearned runs in the ninth to beat the Braves 5-3, shaving Atlanta’s NL East lead to 1½ games over Philadelphia.As a precaution, Acuna wore a red protective pad on his left arm.“Obviously, it was kind of a hard hit,” Acuna said through a translator after taking an early session of batting practice at SunTrust Park . “But I’m not feeling any pain and I feel good right now.”The Braves breathed a big sigh of relief, knowing what a significant injury would have meant to their postseason chances.Acuna tried to stay in the game after being hit by Urena’s first pitch Wednesday, but he had to leave in the second inning . X-rays taken shortly afterward were negative, and the Braves also ordered a CT scan to make sure their prized rookie was OK. The scan came back normal, and Acuna was cleared to play.With help from multilingual teammate Ender Inciarte http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-kevin-long-jersey , Acuna even crafted a text to Brian Snitker letting the Braves manager know he was ready to go.Snitker, who was ejected the previous night along with Urena for leading a charge from the Atlanta dugout, was clearly relieved.“It’s nice to be 20 and strong,” the manager said with a smile. “I’m as excited as I can be that he gets to go out there and play today.”Acuna has lived up to the hype since being called up by the Braves early in the season. In recent days, he’s been downright unstoppable with homers in five straight games — including leadoff shots in three straight games before he was struck by Urena’s pitch.The five-game homer streak remained intact under baseball rules because Acuna didn’t have an official at-bat in the finale of the series against the Marlins, which was won by the Braves to complete a four-game sweep . In a quirk of baseball scoring, the leadoff streak ended.Now, both streaks are over.Acuna failed in his bid to become the first Braves player in the modern era to homer in six straight games. The major league record is eight in a row, shared by Ken Griffey Jr. (1993), Don Mattingly (1987) and Dale Long (1956). While Urena insisted he was merely trying to pitch inside to set up Acuna for an outside pitch , Snitker was livid about the incident. The manager said he had no doubt about the Miami right-hander’s intent: It was intentional.“Absolutely http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-joaquin-benoit-jersey ,” Snitker said. “Just watching it, I can tell.”It’s long been an unwritten rule in baseball that a hot hitter can expect to be brushed back. Former first baseman Keith Hernandez, now a New York Mets broadcaster, took it a step further by saying the Marlins had every right to bean Acuna under the circumstances .“You’ve lost three games. He’s hit three homers. You’ve got to hit him,” Hernandez said during the Mets-Orioles game. “I’m sorry. People are not going to like that, but you’ve got to hit him.”Snitker scoffed at Hernandez’s logic.“I don’t buy that at all,” the Braves manager said. “I would not ever begrudge somebody for doing the job they’re trying to do. You don’t want him to hit hitters? Pitch better.”Joe Torre, MLB’s chief disciplinary officer, imposed a suspension that would begin Friday unless Urena appeals. The pitcher would have to push back a scheduled start but could make his return against the Braves; the NL East rivals meet in another four-game series at Miami beginning next Thursday.An appeal would likely push back Urena’s next appearance against the Braves to 2019.Torre also handed Braves first base coach Eric Young a one-game suspension for his actions during the melee after both dugouts emptied. Young accepted the punishment and missed Thursday’s game.Colorado manager Bud Black said there will always be a fine line between pitching inside and hitting a batter intentionally.“Hitting home runs is part of the game, right? Hitters are trying to hit the ball hard. Pitchers are trying to do everything they can to keep hitters from hitting,” said Black Ryan Zimmerman Jersey , a former pitcher. “A lot of that is disrupting timing, a lot of that is throwing the ball down and away — tough to hit a homer down there — and some of that is pitching inside aggressively to keep guys from looking out over the plate.”Acuna has really flourished since moving into the leadoff spot right after the All-Star break. He raised his average to .287 with 19 homers, 43 RBIs and nine stolen bases, igniting the Braves with his enthusiasm and seemingly boundless energy while making sure never to show up an opponent.“I feel he’s respecting the game,” Inciarte said. “You don’t want to see anybody getting hit for no reason.”

WASHINGTON — The New York Mets dinged Max Scherzer’s Cy Young chances Thursday night.Now the Nationals will get a shot at Jacob deGrom.Cy Young candidate deGrom (8-9 http://www.giantsfanproshop.com/authentic-joe-panik-jersey , 1.78 ERA) opposes Washington right-hander Joe Ross (0-0, 3.60) on Friday night in the second contest of a four-game series at Nationals Park.Article continues below ...With two starts remaining, deGrom needs to win both to hit double digits and finish with a personal won-loss mark above .500. Though wins are devalued these days, the fewest by any starting pitcher to win the Cy Young is 14 by Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez in 2010.DeGrom has allowed three runs or fewer in 27 consecutive starts, a major league single-season record. He has turned in 22 straight quality starts, tying him for the all-time single-season record.The right-hander picked up his last win Aug. 18. In his last start, he got a no-decision after allowing three runs in seven innings against the Red Sox in a game New York lost. He struck out 12 and walked one.“I want to win every baseball game I throw, but it hasn’t gone that way for me this year Willie McCovey Jersey ,” deGrom told the New York Post. “I definitely like wins, but more importantly you want the team to win when you are pitching, and it just hasn’t gone that way for me out there.”The Mets are 12-18 in his starts.DeGrom is 6-4 with a 2.76 ERA in 14 career starts against the Nationals. This season, he beat the Nationals on April 5 and got a no-decision on April 16.Scherzer allowed three runs in seven innings Thursday night, including back-to-back home runs in the third to Michael Conforto and Jay Bruce. His ERA ticked up to 2.57 and he left the game trailing.“We kept saying, ‘Keep on him, keep on him, keep on him http://www.giantsfanproshop.com/authentic-mel-ott-jersey ,'” Mets manager Mickey Callaway told mlb.com. “Unfortunately, it’s Scherzer, and that’s not easy to do. To do what we did was pretty good. To keep on scoring off a guy like that is pretty tough.”Scherzer, in fact, retired 13 of the final 15 batters he faced, finishing with 13 strikeouts to give him 290, a Nationals record.“He fight. He never give up,” outfielder Juan Soto told the Washington Post. “He throw and throw. It doesn’t matter if you hit a homer Hunter Pence Jersey , he’s going to keep working.”Scherzer has 17 wins with two starts remaining.Washington rallied to tie the game in the eighth, but New York won 5-4 in 12 innings thanks to former National Jose Lobaton’s sacrifice fly.Ross allowed two runs on four hits over five innings last week against the Cubs in his first start of the season and first since undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of 2017. (He started against the Cubs on Sept. 7, but the game was rained out in the second inning.)“Hopefully next time I can get ahead a little bit better and pitch deeper into the game,” Ross told the Washington Post after throwing 74 pitches. “The first complete game back, feel pretty good about myself.”Ross is 2-2 with a 4.29 ERA in six starts versus the Mets. NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have acquired Adeiny Hechavarria in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, bringing in a veteran infielder to back up injured shortstop Didi Gregorius.New York is sending a player to be named or cash to Pittsburgh for the 29-year-old Hechavarria, who is batting .254 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 76 games with the Rays and Pirates this season. As part of the deal, the Pirates will send New York $863 http://www.giantsfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-williams-jersey ,709 to cover most of the $951,613 remaining in Hechavarria’s $5.9 million salary.The trade was completed just before Friday’s deadline for traded players to be eligible for the postseason. The Yankees are in position for the first AL wild card.Gregorius has been out since Aug. 20 with a bruised left heel. He could come off the disabled list this weekend.Hechavarria is a .255 career hitter over seven seasons with four teams. He has played mostly at shortstop with spot duty at second base and third base.To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated left-hander Ryan Bollinger for assignment.

Rich Schultz/Getty ImagesLongtime Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard announced his retirement from baseball Tuesday following a 13-year MLB career.Howard http://www.brewersfanproshop.com/authentic-lorenzo-cain-jersey , who last played in the major leagues during the 2016 season, confirmed the decision in an essay entitled "Thank You, Philly" for The Players' Tribune."And that's definitely something I've learned, one way or another, over these last 14 years: How Jhoulys Chacin Jersey , in baseball, man鈥ou truly do have to take the all of it," he wrote. "You truly don't get your share of the sweet, in this game, without taking your share of the sour."The Phillies selected Howard in the fifth round of the 2001 MLB draft. He made a quick ascent through the club's minor league system before making his debut late in the 2004 campaign Jeremy Jeffress Jersey , when he flashed his power potential with two home runs in 39 at-bats.He captured National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 after posting a .288/.356/.567 triple-slash line with 22 homers across 88 appearances.One year later, he was named the 2006 NL MVP after racking up an MLB-high 58 home runs and accumulating a career-best 1.084 OPS in 159 games for Philadelphia.Howard, who spent time in Triple-A for the Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies in 2017, also features a 2008 World Series title, three All-Star Game selections and a Silver Slugger Award on his resume."It's been a wild ride鈥nd I'm glad that I got to stay on it for as long as I did Jesus Aguilar Jersey ," Howard wrote. "Which I guess has really also kind of become my overall perspective on things: How, when it's come to these last 14 years of mine鈥攏othing has ever been easy for long, and nothing has ever been perfect for long."But I wouldn't have it any other way."He finishes his career with 382 home runs鈥攖he second-most in Phillies history behind only fellow team legend Mike Schmidt (548)鈥?,194 RBI and 848 runs scored in 1,572 MLB games. The New York Mets provided some momentary joy for their fans Thursday in what has otherwise been a disastrous 2018 season.The Mets dropped a franchise-record 24 runs in a win over the Philadelphia Phillies.Jose Bautista was the standout performer http://www.brewersfanproshop.com/authentic-ryan-braun-jersey , going 3-for-4 with seven RBI, with his run-scoring double in the ninth capping off the offensive outburst.New York Mets Mets24 runs!Thats a new franchise record! WFp4KLYHYbKevin Plawecki was also 4-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Starting pitcher Corey Oswalt was the only member of New York's starting lineup to go hitless. Six Mets players had multi-hit games.To their credit, the Phillies took the heavy defeat in stride:Philadelphia Phillies PhilliesFINAL: #Phillies 4, Mets amp;gt;4 QjXfGB3AdDPhiladelphia trailed 15-4 entering the seventh inning when it decided to bring onutility man Roman Quinn to pitch. Michael Conforto deposited Quinn's second pitch over the right-field fence:New York Mets MetsPosition players hittingamp;gt;amp;gt;amp;gt; tSXyQuBRJNQuinn allowed seven runs over 1.2 innings before Scott Kingery replaced him in the eighth.Charitably speaking, one could describe Kingery as a finesse pitcher in that none of his pitches was fast enough to get picked up on the radar gun in the stadium. Kingery's velocity is completely absent in MLB.com'splay-by-playbreakdown.The Phillies don't have any time to wallow in their lopsided loss. First pitch for the second half of Thursday's doubleheader isscheduledfor 7:40 p.m. ET.

ATLANTA — Encouraged by the progress of their young pitchers Bill Melton Jersey , the Philadelphia Phillies decided not to add a proven starter to their rotation for the stretch drive.Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta and 2018 Cy Young Award candidate Aaron Nola will start for the Phillies against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday and Sunday, but first struggling Nick Pivetta (7-13, 4.67 ERA) must take the mound Friday night.It is almost a must win for Philadelphia, which fell behind the Braves by 6 1/2 games with an 8-3 loss in the series opener Thursday night at SunTrust Park. Atlanta’s magic number for winning the National League East was reduced to four.Article continues below ...Veteran right-hander Julio Teheran (9-8, 3.97) will start for Atlanta (85-68) opposite Pivetta as the Braves try to put the Phillies (78-74) on the verge of elimination.Philadelphia used seven relievers after slumping starter Vince Velasquez pitched just three innings to start the series, and the bullpen cracked late, giving up the tie-breaking run in the seventh and four more runs in the eighth as the Phillies fell to 6-12 in September.Pivetta hasn’t won since Aug. 7 and has lost his last four decisions, pitching just 13 1/3 innings in his three September outings.On a more positive note, though, the 25-year-old Pivetta beat the Braves three times as a rookie in 2017 while posting a 2.12 ERA and was solid against them early this season, going 1-1 with a 3.43 ERA in four starts.The Phillies also continue to point to Pivetta’s swing-and-miss stuff. He fanned eight in five innings against Miami last Sunday http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-robin-ventura-jersey , but was done in by a two-run homer from Pete O’Brien.“I think the only hard-hit ball that comes to mind for me was the home run to O’Brien,” manager Gabe Kapler said afterward. “Other than that, the curveball was working well, the fastball was working well, had a lot of life to it, obviously, getting tons of swings and misses on it. Looked like he was going to roll and just ran into a little bit of a buzz saw there.”Teheran had appeared back on track after an up-and-down season until he had a shaky outing in a loss to Washington last Saturday.The two-time All-Star allowed six walks and was pulled after four innings despite giving up just three hits and two runs while striking out seven.Walks have been Teheran’s downfall all season. Opponents are batting just .198 against him, but he has surrendered 79 walks in 163 1/3 innings.The 27-year-old from Colombia made his fourth consecutive start on Opening Day for the Braves this season, but his spot in a potential playoff rotation is far from a certainty.“I haven’t thought about that, but it is what it is,” Teheran said after the loss to the Nationals. “We still need to finish strong. I’ve got a couple outings to go. I’ve been feeling good my last couple outings. It’s getting there. You’re going to have difficult games. But I feel like I’ve been doing better now.”Teheran was 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA in three April starts against the Phillies and is 9-6 with a 3.55 ERA in 22 career games Early Wynn Jersey , including 21 starts, against them.Outfielder-first baseman Rhys Hoskins is 5-for-10 with three doubles against Teheran, while first baseman Justin Bour went 7-for-18 with a homer while with Miami before joining the Phillies.Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte has gone 8-for-17 against Pivetta, but first baseman Freddie Freeman is just 2-for-15. LOS ANGELES — The first plot twist of the National League Division Series already arrived and the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers have not even played a game.The Dodgers announced that Hyun-Jin Ryu and not Clayton Kershaw will start Game 1 of the series on Thursday at Dodger Stadium, even though Kershaw will be on regular rest after last pitching Saturday in San Francisco.A Braves team that finished 18 games below .500 last year and burst upon the scene in 2018 is actually the one with more predictability surrounding it in a series against the defending National League champions. Right-hander Mike Foltynewicz will take the ball in Game 1 as expected for Atlanta.Article continues below ...At face value, the Dodgers’ move to Ryu in Game 1 makes sense because it keeps their rotation in order.Ryu missed 3 1/2 months of the season with a groin strain, then returned Aug. 15 to post a 1.88 ERA in 52 2/3 innings. The left-hander has worked just 82 1/3 innings all season.But his move to the series opener bumps a Dodgers pitching legend to Game 2. Kershaw might not be as overpowering as he once was, but he still finished the season with a 2.73 ERA. And Kershaw can still pitch in a deciding Game 5, if necessary, on regular rest.Kershaw did have a 3.89 ERA in six September starts and gave up a combined eight earned runs in two key starts down the stretch, including five against the Giants on Saturday in a must-win game that the Dodgers ultimately won 10-6.There is no parsing the numbers for Foltynewicz Avisail Garcia Jersey , who emerged this season with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.082 WHIP in 183 innings. His strong late-season run was interrupted when an aggressive St. Louis Cardinals lineup roughed him up for six runs in 4 2/3 innings, but Foltynewicz finished the regular season with two strong starts against the Philadelphia Phillies.“We’ve wanted Folty to be ‘the guy’ for a couple years, and right now, I think he’s establishing himself as our legit first guy,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said, according to mlb.com. “It wasn’t a hard decision at all.”Foltynewicz’s roughest stretch all season came in a four-start span when he gave up 18 earned runs in 23 1/3 innings. It concluded when he gave up four runs and six hits in five innings, including two home runs, in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers.Despite vastly different lineups in the second half depending on whether they are facing a right-handed pitcher or a lefty, the Dodgers still managed to hit an NL-leading 235 home runs. They were sixth in the NL with 1,436 strikeouts.The Braves were 13th in the NL with 1,290 strikeouts and eighth with 175 home runs. But they cashed in their chances http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-frank-thomas-jersey , finishing fifth in runs with 759. The Dodgers led the category with 804.The Dodgers won the season series 5-2, scoring 5.0 runs per game to the Braves’ 2.6. The Dodgers’ starters also had a 2.20 ERA in the seven games and the Braves were at 4.69.The Dodgers might have lost a Game 7 in the World Series last year and they got off to a slow start this year at 16-26 on May 16, but they are a confident bunch now.“Dodgers, we are going for more,” Yasiel Puig said in the Dodgers’ celebratory clubhouse Monday on Spectrum SportsNet Los Angeles. “Hey, Atlanta, we’ll see you soon, baby. And the next one … no matter who’s going, we’re going to beat (them). And we’re going to the World Series again. And this time we’re going to win the World Series. In 2018, the big party is here in Los Angeles.”

The Baltimore Orioles will make history Tuesday when they become the firstAmerican professional sports team to feature Braille lettering on their uniforms.Baltimore Orioles OriolesOn Sept. 18 Thurman Munson Jersey , well recognize the 40th anniversary of NFB_voice moving their headquarters to Baltimore and become the first American professional sports team to incorporate Braille lettering into our gameday uniforms when we host National Federation of the Blind Night at OPACY. vU8ZDlXGOr"We've made a conscious effort to create an environment where everyone feels welcome at the ballpark," Orioles Vice President of Communications and Marketing Greg Bader said, according to theBaltimore Sun'sMike Klingaman."We take our role as entertainer very seriously, but we also want to serve as an escape for some people and as a platform to highlight the causes and morals that we feel strongly about. A 'blindness awareness night' puts it into perspective that there's more going on out there than just wins and losses."National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game, expressed his appreciation for the Orioles' initiative:Orioles on MASN masnOriolesThe Orioles will become the first team in American professional sports history to incorporate Braille lettering into their gameday uniforms when they host NFB_voice on Tuesday! EliPQkPuLIPer Klingaman, the jerseys will be autographed and auctioned off online after the game, with proceeds going to theNational Federation of the Blind. The federation is celebrating its 40thyear based in Baltimore and wasestablished in 1940.The first 15,000 fans will receiveBraille alphabet cards upon entry to the game.Baltimore will debut the uniforms against the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET. The latest on Major League Baseball trades on the deadline day for deals without waivers (all times Eastern):5:15 p.m.The Arizona Diamondbacks have bolstered their bullpen for the second time at the trade deadline, acquiring left-hander Jake Diekman from the Texas Rangers for right-hander Wei-Chieh Huang and a player to be named.The deal comes after the Diamondbacks picked up right-hander Brad Ziegler in a trade with the Miami Marlins.The 31-year-old Diekman was 1-1 with two saves and a 3.69 ERA in 47 appearances with the Rangers this season. He is 4-4 with a 3.57 ERA in seven big league seasons with Philadelphia and Texas.The 24-year-old Huang was a combined 6-2 with a 2.31 ERA in 29 games with Class A Visalia and Double-A Jackson this season.Arizona also designed left-hander Jorge De La Rosa for assignment.—5 p.m.The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring right-hander John Axford from Toronto in exchange for minor league pitcher Corey Cropping.Axford is 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA in 45 games for the Blue Jays this season. He’s held hitters to a .234 average.Axford has been particularly strong against left-handed hitters, limiting them to a .147 average.During Axford’s 10-year big league career, he’s also pitched with Milwaukee http://www.yankeesfanproshop.com/authentic-jorge-posada-jersey , St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Colorado and Oakland.Cropping is 4-0 with three saves and a 2.52 ERA in 35 combined games with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa this season.—4:40 p.m.The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired second baseman Jonathan Schoop in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.The playoff-hopeful Brewers sent second baseman Jonathan Villar, along with two prospects to Baltimore.Schoop is the second infielder to be acquired in the last few days after Milwaukee traded for third baseman Mike Moustakas from Kansas City. The plan then was for left-handed hitting third baseman Travis Shaw to shift to second base. Schoop gives the Brewers a right-handed option at second.—4:25 p.m.The Atlanta Braves have acquired right-handers Kevin Gausman and Darren O’Day from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for four prospects.The 27-year-old Gausman is 5-8 with a 4.43 ERA in 21 games started for Baltimore. He is under team control through 2020.The Orioles acquired Triple-A Gwinnett right-hander Evan Phillips, Class A Rome infielder Jean Carlos Encarnacion and two Double-A Mississippi prospects – catcher Brett Cumberland and left-hander Bruce Zimmerman. Baltimore also received international signing bonus slot money.This is the second deal between the teams in three days. Atlanta boosted its bullpen by acquiring right-hander Brad Brach from Baltimore for an international signing slot on Sunday.Gausman will provide another veteran arm in a Braves rotation that has lost rookie Mike Soroka and right-hander Brandon McCarthy to injuries. O’Day is on the 60-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. He has a 3.60 ERA and two saves in 20 games for Baltimore this season.Phillips had an 8.53 ERA in four relief appearances with Atlanta this season.—4:15 p.m.The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their rotation at the deadline, adding right-hander Chris Archer from Tampa Bay for a pair of coveted prospects in outfielder Austin Meadows and pitcher Tyler Glasnow and a player to be named later.Archer, a two-time All-Star, is 3-5 with a 4.31 ERA in 17 starts this season for the Rays. The 29-year-old gives the Pirates a significant jolt in experience in a rotation that includes three starters — Jameson Taillon, Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove — 26 or younger.The move is the second significant trade by the Pirates at the deadline. Pittsburgh acquired Texas Rangers closer Keone Kela in exchange for left-handed pitching prospect Taylor Hearn and a player to be named.The Pirates, who have been reluctant to part with young prospects in recent years at the deadline, gave up a pair of promising talents.Meadows Don Larsen Jersey , a first-round pick in the 2013 draft, hit .292 with five home runs and 13 RBIs in 49 for the Pirates after making his major-league debut on May 17. The 24-year-old Glasnow dominated as a starter in the minors but struggled as a starter during his first season-plus in Pittsburgh, going 2-7 with a 7.69 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) in 2017.The Pirates moved Glasnow to the bullpen this season with better results. The 6-foot-8 right-hander is 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA in 34 appearances.—4:05 p.m.A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.The deal, done shortly before Major League Baseball’s non-waiver deadline, sends infielder Logan Forsythe and two minor league players to the Twins. The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced.Dozier marked the fifth player the Twins have traded in the last five days, signaling their shift in focus to the future amid a disappointing season.Dozier joins a Dodgers team that’s in a tight race with Arizona in the NL West, aiming for a return trip to the World Series. Dozier’s production has dropped off this year, but he has some of the best power numbers in baseball for players at his position. The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Twins.Elsewhere as the deadline approached, Washington traded reliever Brandon Kintzler to the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Jhon Romero, and the Philadelphia Phillies acquired left-hander Aaron Loup from the Toronto Blue Jays for minor league right-hander Jacob Waguespack.– Dave Campbell reporting from Minneapolis.—4 p.m.Miami Marlins outfielder Cameron Maybin has been traded to the Seattle Mariners for minor league infielder Bryson Brigman and international slot money.Maybin is batting .251 with three homers and 20 RBIs in 99 games this season, but he’s batting .329 with a .912 OPS since June 29. The Mariners are the seventh team for the 12-year veteran, who has a $3.25 million http://www.yankeesfanproshop.com/authentic-johnny-damon-jersey , one-year contract.Brigman is batting .304 this year for Class A Modesto.—3:40 p.m.The NL East-leading Phillies have acquired All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos from the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later or cash.Ramos is batting .297 with 14 homers and 53 RBIs but is currently on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. He’ll upgrade an offense that has struggled during a four-game losing streak. Jorge Alfaro has been Philadelphia’s starting catcher with Andrew Knapp also seeing plenty of action.—1:50 p.m.Right-handed reliever Brad Ziegler has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who bolstered their bullpen for the pennant race and gave up Double-A reliever Tommy Eveld to the Miami Marlins.Ziegler, 38, is 1-5 with a 3.98 ERA this season. His ERA was 7.88 on June 1, but since then he has allowed two runs in 28 innings.He’s in the final year of a $16 million, two-year contract, which made the cost-conscious Marlins willing to trade him since they’re in last place in the NL East. Arizona is battling the Dodgers and Rockies for the NL West lead.The right-handed Eveld, 24, has a 1.11 ERA in 35 games in the minor leagues this season. He’s a native of the Miami area.Ziegler had 30 saves for the Diamondbacks in 2015. The following year, he was traded to Boston before signing with the Marlins.—1:05 p.m.Badly needing outfield help, the Cleveland Indians have acquired center fielder Leonys Martin from the Detroit Tigers.Cleveland also received right-hander Kyle Dowdy in the deal for shortstop prospect Willi Castro.The AL-Central-leading Indians have been pursuing an outfielder for weeks and pulled off the deal just hours before Tuesday’s non-waiver deadline. The 30-year-old Martins batted .251 with nine homers and 29 RBIs this season for the Tigers, who are 18 games behind Cleveland.Martin has also scored 78 runs in his first season with Detroit and he leads the AL with nine assists. He missed time in July with a strained hamstring.The Cuban has a career .248 average with 47 homers and 205 RBIs in 699 games with Texas Masahiro Tanaka Jersey , Seattle, the Chicago Cubs and Tigers.Dowdy, 25, is 8-8 with a 4.74 ERA between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo this season.—11:50 a.m.Washington Nationals president and general manager Mike Rizzo says Bryce Harper will not be traded before Tuesday’s deadline.Rizzo tells The Washington Post in a text message that Harper ”is not going anywhere.”The Nationals have been one of baseball’s biggest disappointments. They entered Tuesday with a 52-53 record, but they are still within 5 games of the NL East lead and the second wild card.—11:30 a.m.The St. Louis Cardinals have traded outfielder Tommy Pham to the Tampa Bay Rays for three minor leaguers – outfielder Justin Williams, left-handed pitcher Genesis Cabrera and right-handed pitcher Roel Ramirez.The Rays also received international cap space in the four-player trade announced Tuesday, baseball’s deadline for trades without waivers.There had already been a flurry of moves this week, including closers Roberto Osuna (to Houston) and Ken Giles (to Toronto) switching teams, Seattle picking up Adam Warren and Zach Duke, Lance Lynn joining the New York Yankees, Adam Duvall moving to Atlanta and Ian Kinsler added to the Boston Red Sox.The 30-year-old Pham has been a member of the Cardinals’ organization since being drafted in 2006. He was batting .248 this season with 14 home runs and 41 RBIs as St. Louis opened the day seven games out of the NL Central lead during a season in which the team has already fired manager Mike Matheny.—

Harry How/Getty ImagesThe Los Angeles Dodgers are National League West champions for the sixth straight season.Los Angeles defeated the Colorado Rockies 5-2in Monday's divisional tiebreaker game at Dodger Stadium behind a brilliant performance from starter Walker Buehler. He allowed just one hit and three walks in 6.2 scoreless innings while striking out three to ensure the Rockies didn't win their first NL West crown.Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy provided much of the offense with two-run homers Roy Oswalt Jersey , and Buehler even helped himself with an RBI single. One-Two Punch of Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw Makes Dodgers NL FavoritesThe emergence of Buehler in the Dodgers' rotation means the team that represented the National League in last year's World Series is primed to do so again this year.Buehler came out firing heat while mixing in filthy breaking balls to keep hitters off balance. It may have been the biggest start of his young career, but he has done nothing but thrive in the pressure-packed division race as evidenced by the two combined earned runs he allowed in his final three September starts.Jon Morosi jonmorosiWalker Buehler鈥檚 first eight pitches were fastballs. The slowest traveled 97 mph. The Dodgers ascendant ace looks sharp early. MLBNetwork MLBChad Moriyama ChadMoriyamaBuehlers new slider is filthy. Not necessarily cause of the movement but you have to cover 99 mph four and 93 mph cut as well.MLB MLB.buehlersdayoff can do it all. #Game163 ClrGL9Rp6pRockies manager Bud Black knew what he was up against."This kid is a really good pitcher鈥攁 big fastball at 97, 98 miles per hour with a good curveball, and he's athletic with a good feel for the slider while also mixing in the change," Black said, perKyle Newmanof theDenver Post. "He's a [first-round] pick, a college pitcher who's been built the right way."The right-hander entered Monday's game with a 2.76 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 148 strikeouts in 130.2 innings and gives the Dodgers another ace alongside Clayton Kershaw.The one-two punch of Kershaw and Buehler can control a series by starting up to four games. They need little run support as it is, and a powerful Dodgers lineup featuring the likes of Justin Turner, Muncy and Manny Machado, among others, is capable of providing it in spades.There is plenty of talent on the Rockies, Milwaukee Brewers http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-carlos-lee-jersey , Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs, but any of them face an uphill battle dealing with Buehler and Kershaw multiple times throughout a series while attempting to trade punches with the Los Angeles lineup.Rockies' Offensive Road Woes Will Cost Them Shot at World SeriesSometimes sports narratives are based on truth, and the idea the Rockies can't hit away from Coors Field was on full display Monday with the division title hanging in the balance.Colorado was second in the National League in runs scored this season, but playing in the thin Denver air bolstered that production. Buehler silenced the visitors' bats throughout the game, and the Rockies couldn't get to Pedro Baez or Kenta Maedafrom the bullpen either before Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story homered off Kenley Jansen.Rick Krajewski Rick_K21The Rockies averaged 5.50 runs/game in the month of September...however most of that production took place at homeRockies offense (in September)At home =7.12 runs/game amp;lt; - - 1st in NLOn road = 3.00 runs/game amp;lt; - - 13th in NL#Dodgers have held them to 0 so far todayMcCovey Chronicles McCoveyChronRockies since August 1st:HOME: 5.833 runs/gameROAD: 3.58 runs/game (shutout 3x)The Rockies won't have home-field advantage against the Cubs in the Wild Card Game or the Brewers in a potential Division Series, meaning their offensive woes on the road will linger over them as they pursue their first World Series championship in franchise history.DJ LeMahieu, David Dahl, Carlos Gonzalez and Ian Desmond combined for zerohits in Monday's loss, which is a formula that cannot happen if Colorado hopes to play deep into October.Unfortunately for Rockies fans, that decreased offensive production away from home is a familiar formula.Jon Lester, Schedule Leave Rockies in Even Bigger HoleColorado's offensive road woes will be under the spotlight again with its back against the wall heading into Tuesday's elimination contest.Not only do the Rockies have to fly to Chicago from Los Angeles in an immediate turnaround following a disappointing showing, but they also have to face Cubs ace Jon Lester in a must-win scenario. They won't be able to counter with German Marquez after he started Monday's contest and allowed four runs (two earned) and struck out nine in 4.2 innings.Tony Andracki TonyAndracki23What gives Steve Cishek confidence the Cubs are gonna win the wild-card game?Two words: quot;Jon Lester.quot;Chris Emma CEmma670Daniel Murphy: quot;Well come out tomorrow at 7:00 and hand Jonny Lester the ball, [and] I dont know if theres anybody better in the big leagues in a situation like this.quot;Colorado would love to have him at its disposal after he wasnamedNational League Pitcher of the Month in September for posting a 2.14 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 33.2 innings during the month.Lester has cemented his legacy with his postseason performances. He sports a World Series crown and National League Championship Series MVP on his resume and has a 2.55 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 25 playoff appearances.He has been an anchor for Chicago's recent success J.R. Richard Jersey , tallying a 1.88 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in three postseason appearances last year and a 2.02 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in six postseason appearances in 2016 as the Cubs won the World Series.There is nobody Chicago would rather be pitching in Tuesday's single-elimination clash, which spells trouble for the Colorado lineup.What's Next?The Rockies' season will be on the line Tuesday in the National League Wild Card Game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, while the Dodgers turn their attention to a Division Series showdown with the Atlanta Braves. TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to sweep the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday afternoon by winning the finale of the three-game series at the Rogers Centre.A victory would mean more than a series sweep for the Blue Jays as it would allow them to complete an umblemished home schedule against the Orioles this season at 10-0.By clubbing four solo home runs in an 8-2 victory Tuesday night, the Blue Jays moved to 11-1 against the Orioles this season. The Orioles’ only win over the Blue Jays this season was April 11 in the finale of a three-game series at Camden Yards.Article continues below ...The teams still have two more three-game series in Baltimore this season.The Blue Jays already have clinched their first home series win since they swept the Orioles in three games July 20-22.The Orioles will start right-hander David Hess (2-7, 5.95 ERA) on Wednesday while the Blue Jays will send out left-hander Thomas Pannone (0-0, 4.15), who will be making his first major league start.Pannone made his major league debut Aug. 10 and has appeared in four games as a reliever.Pannone started six games with Triple-A Buffalo this season and had a 4.91 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 40 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings. He has pitched in only nine minor league games this season, going 0-4 with a 5.36 ERA, including stints at Class A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire because of an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.The 24-year-old was obtained in July last year in a deal that sent reliever Joe Smith to the Cleveland Indians.Hess made his major league debut May 12, winning two of his first three starts. He has not won since May 25, going 0-6 with a 6.61 ERA in 11 outings (nine starts) since his last win.He received a no-decision in his only appearance against the Blue Jays, allowing one run in six innings of Baltimore’s 5-4 loss at Toronto on June 7.Kendrys Morales hit one of the Blue Jays’ homers against the Orioles on Tuesday to add to the two he hit in the series opener on Monday. He has homered in three consecutive games for the third time in his career. The other two times were in 2016.He also had an RBI single in going 3-for-4 on Tuesday.Morales had overcome a poor start and now is batting .257 with 17 homers and 47 RBIs. He was slashing .188/.260/.312 on June 5.“He’s dangerous, he’s always dangerous http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-jose-altuve-jersey ,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. “But he works hard, too. He’s the first guy here just about every day, he spends his day in the cage. If anybody was going to come out of it, it was him.”Billy McKinney hit his first career home run for the Blue Jays.Toronto center fielder Kevin Pillar was 1-for-4 with a double and has an eight-game hit streak, batting .419 with six doubles, one home run and eight RBIs during the streak.The Blue Jays scored seven of their runs and hit three of their homers against Orioles starter Dylan Bundy. The Orioles also suffered defensive lapses behind him, making two errors.“We’ve got to make some plays behind him,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “But his finish, the shape of his pitches, that’s very unlike Dylan. This is probably the toughest stretch that he’s had. It seems like every mistake he makes he’s paying a price for it.”Cedric Mullins hit his second career homer for the Orioles in going 1-for-4 on Tuesday. He hit his first big-league homer on Saturday at Cleveland. He has reached base in 10 of his first 11 major league games since making his debut Aug. 10 and is batting .333 (13-for-39) with five doubles, two homers and four RBIs.