Bats come to life as Red Sox rout Braves in battle of leaders
The Red Sox posted an 8-2 victory over Atlanta In their first visit to Sun Trust Park,.ATLANTA — The Red Sox, shut out by the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, were scoreless through four innings against the Atlanta Braves Monday afternoon and didn’t have a hit against rookie Touki Toussaint.
© Michael Dwyer/AP Photo Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez walks back to the mound after a sacrifice fly by the Astros' Jake Marisnick (6) scored Tyler White (13) during the second inning. The Houston Astros — and a large number of their boisterous fans — have come into Fenway Park this weekend and given the Red Sox much to think about, if not be concerned with.
The Red Sox’ gaudy record has looked meaningless through two games against the defending World Series champions.
The Astros beat the Sox again on Saturday, 5-3, before a sellout crowd of 36,684.
BOX SCORE: ASTROS 5, RED SOX 3
After leaving eight runners on base in the first eight innings, the Sox rallied in the ninth against Houston closer Roberto Osuna.
Report: Dee Gordon, Jean Segura were Mariners involved in clubhouse altercation
The primary combatants in Tuesday’s altercation in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse appear to have been identified. Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported that Mariners infielders Dee Gordon and Jean Segura were the players involved in the skirmish, which occurred prior to a game at home against the league-worst Baltimore Orioles.
Pinch hitter Blake Swihart dropped a single into shallow left field. Mookie Betts then walked. After a wild pitch, Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a single to left.
With the Red Sox fans roaring, J.D. Martinez grounded into a double play to end the game.
The Sox were 3 of 13 with runners in scoring position.
Now the Red Sox turn to Rick Porcello on Sunday night, hoping to avoid being swept at home for the first time this season. He will face Dallas Keuchel in a matchup of former Cy Young Award winners.
The Astros have won seven straight and 14 of their last 17.
Xander Bogaerts was 3 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Sox.
Eduardo Rodriguez retired the side in order in the first inning, striking out George Springer and Jose Altuve.
He then struck out Yuli Gurriel to open the second inning and it appeared the lefthander was heading for another impressive start.
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But nine of the next 15 batters reached base as Rodriguez allowed five runs on six hits and three walks.
Carlos Correa doubled in the second inning and scored on a triple off the wall in center by Tyler White. Jake Marisnick’s sacrifice fly gave the Astros a 2-1 lead.
Alex Bregman continued his hot streak with a home run to left field in the third inning. Martin Maldonado then homered in the fourth. When Rodriguez walked Springer, Sox manager Alex Cora came out of the dugout in a hurry to take him out of the game.
With Brandon Workman on the mound, Springer went first to third on a single by Altuve and scored on Gurriel’s sacrifice fly.
Rodriguez (12-4) has allowed 10 runs on 12 hits over five innings in his last two starts against Houston, both coming at Fenway Park.
In his first game following a brief stay on the disabled list with shoulder pain, Charlie Morton (14-3) held the Red Sox to two runs over five innings.
Zack Wheeler stellar again as Mets take down Dodgers
LOS ANGELES — Zack Wheeler stayed in the game after getting hit in the chest by a line drive, pitching seven sharp innings to lead the New York Mets over the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-3 Wednesday. Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger homered for the playoff-contending Dodgers, who lost for third time in their past 12 games. Los Angeles finished with three hits. Wilmer Flores had a pair of RBI singles and Amed Rosario got three hits for the Mets, who went 5-4 on their road trip to Wrigley Field, San Francisco and Los Angeles.Wheeler (10-7) retired the first 11 batters before Justin Turner hit a liner in the fourth inning that struck the pitcher.
Singles by Betts, Benintendi, and Bogaerts gave the Sox a 1-0 lead four batters into the bottom of the first inning.
But Morton ended the threat. Springer made a diving grab to catch a softly hit ball to right field by Mitch Moreland. Ian Kinsler then grounded to third.
Leaving runners on base proved to be a game-long issue for the Sox.
After stranding two runners in the third inning, the Sox loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth. Benintendi sent a ball to the gap in left that had a chance to scrape the wall but Marisnick ran it down.
Bogaerts homered to left field in the fifth inning. He has 21 home runs and 92 RBIs on the season, both career bests.
Related slideshow: Best of 2018 MLB season (Provided by photo services)
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Pillar plays hero
Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar celebrates with his team after hitting a walk-off home run against the Indians, on Sept. 7 in Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays won 3-2.
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Aiming done right
Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka throws against the Mariners, on Sept. 7 in Seattle, WA. The Yankees won 4-0.
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Safe slide
The Tigers' Jeimer Candelario slides safely across home plate against the Cardinals, on Sept. 7 in Detroit. The Tigers won 5-3.
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Watching it fly
Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig watches his ball on a solo home run against the Rockies, on Sept. 7 in Denver, CO. The Dodgers won 4-2.
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Dugout cheers
Ryan Braun of the Brewers is congratulated by teammates following a two run home run against the Giants, on Sept. 7 in Milwaukee, WI. The Brewers won 4-2.
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Victory jump
Carlos Correa (1) and George Springer of the Astros celebrate a victory against the Red Sox, on Sept. 7 in Boston, MA. The Astros won 6-3.
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Kipnis' 3-run HR
Jason Kipnis of the Indians is congratulated by teammates as they hoist him up in the dugout after hitting a three-run home run against the Blue Jays, on Sept. 6 in Toronto, Canada. The Indians won 9-4.
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Mejia homers twice
Francisco Mejia of the Padres hits a home run against the Reds, on Sept. 6 in Cincinnati, OH. The Padres won 6-2.
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Safe home
The Cubs' Albert Almora Jr. slides home to score on a double by David Bote against the Nationals, on Sept. 6 in Washington. The Cubs won 6-4.
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Camargo goes deep
The Braves' Johan Camargo (right) claps as he arrives at home plate after hitting a home run, as Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis looks on, on Sept. 6 in Phoenix. The Braves won 7-6.
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Delivery man
Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins throws a pitch against the Phillies on Sept. 5 in Miami. The Marlins won 2-1.
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Big night at bat
The Angels' Shohei Ohtani hits a home run against the Rangers on Sep 5, in Arlington, TX. The Angels won 9-3.
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Springing into action
The Astros' George Springer, left, and Alex Bregman celebrate at the plate after scoring on Bregman's home run against the Twins on Sept. 5 in Houston. The Astros won 9-1.
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Murphy's law
The Cubs' Daniel Murphy hits a home run against the Brewers on Sept. 5 in Milwaukee. Chicago won 6-4.
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Wheeler up
Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler takes a look at first base during a Sept. 5 game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The Mets won 7-3.
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Big shot
The Cardinals' Matt Adams hits a solo home run against the Nationals on Sept. 5 in Washington. The Cardinals won 7-6.
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Royal pitch
The Indians' Corey Kluber throws a pitch against the Royals on Sept. 5 in Cleveland. The Indians won 3-1.
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Watch the head
The Nationals' Victor Robles slides under a tag from Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina to score on Sept. 5 in Washington.
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Delivering a win
Brandon Phillips of the Red Sox hits a game-winning, two-run homer against the Braves on Sept. 5 in Atlanta. The Red Sox won 9-8.
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Party Starter
The Indians’ Rajai Davis and Francisco Lindor celebrate following a game against the Royals on Sept. 4 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated Royals 9-3.
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We’re less than a month away from the MLB playoffs. Despite the limited time, the teams that will be in those playoffs are still in doubt. We’re less than a month away from the MLB playoffs. Despite the limited time, the teams that will be in those playoffs are still in doubt.
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Pitching in
The Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray throws against the Padres during a game on Sept. 4 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks won 6-0.
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Gonzalez rocks Giants
The Rockies’ Carlos Gonzalez hits a three-tin triple scoring Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado in the 7th inning during a game against the Giants on Sept. 4 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies won 6-2.
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Easy play
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor scores on a single as he beats the throw to the Mets’ Kevin Plawecki during a game on Sept. 4 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers won 11-4.
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Molina slams Nationals
Yadier Molina of the Cardinals hits a grand slam against the Nationals on Sept. 4 in Washington, DC. The Cardinals won 11-8.
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Going for a double-play
Gleyber Torres of the Yankees completes the double-play throwing over Ramon Laureano of the Athletics during a game on Sept. 4 in Oakland, California. The Yankees won 5-1.
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On air with the Astros
The Astros’ Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel celebrate after defeating the Twins on Sept. 4 in Houston, Texas. The Astros won 5-2.
A’s edge Rangers with Olson’s HR tiebreaking HR
Matt Olson hit Chris Martin's second pitch of the eighth inning for a tiebreaking home run Saturday afternoon, lifting the Oakland Athletics to an 8-6 win over the Texas Rangers in Oakland, Calif. BOX SCORE: ATHLETICS 8, RANGERS 6The win allowed the A's (86-57) to keep pace with Houston (89-53) atop the American League West. The Astros, who retained a 3 1/2-game lead, beat the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive day on Saturday.
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Tigers atop White Sox
The Tigers' Grayson Greiner hits an RBI single against the White Sox during a game on Sept. 4 in Chicago, Illinois. The Tigers won 8-3.
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Capturing a follow-through
The Red Sox's Steve Pearce follows through on a two-run base hit against the Braves on Sept. 4 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Red Sox won 5-1.
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Massive win over Cubs
The Brewers' Orlando Arcia slides in safely at home past the Cubs' Dillon Maples on a wild pitch by Maples during a game on Sept. 4 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers won 11-1.
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Keeping a close eye
Jose Osuna of the Pirates slides safely into home plate past Tucker Barnhart of the Reds on Sept. 3 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Pirates won 5-1.
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Winning stride
Christian Yelich of the Brewers celebrates after hitting a fielder's choice to beat the Cubs on Sept. 3 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers won 4-3.
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Watching it gone
The Nationals' Bryce Harper watches his sacrifice fly against the Cardinals, on Sept. 3 in Washington. The Nationals won 4-3.
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Too close
Alex Bregman of the Astros gets safely back on first base against the Twins on Sept. 3 in Houston, Texas. The Astros won 4-1.
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Homer celebration
The Yankees' Luke Voit, right, celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Athletics on Sept. 3 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won 6-3.
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Hard bite
The Tigers' Michael Fulmer leaves the game after getting hit by a ball hit by White Sox's Daniel Palka on Sept. 3 in Chicago. The White Sox won 4-2.
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Urena on the move
Jose Urena of the Marlins delivers a pitch against the Phillies on Sept. 3 in Miami, Florida. The Marlins won 3-1.
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Just not happening
Shin-Soo Choo of the Rangers takes a knee after hitting a foul ball off his leg against the Angels on Sept. 3 in Arlington, Texas. The Angels won 3-1.
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Off goes the helmet
Matt Davidson of the White Sox rounds the bases and throws his helmet after his walk off two run home run ball against the Tigers on Sept. 3 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox won 4-2.
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Fumbling Fraizer
Todd Frazier of the Mets commits a fielding error allowing Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers to reach first, on Sept. 3 in Los Angeles, California. The Mets won 4-2.
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Piscotty makes it count
The Athletics' Stephen Piscotty, right, celebrates with Matt Olson and Jed Lowrie after hitting a three-run home run against the Mariners on Sept. 2 in Oakland, California. The Athletics won 8-2.
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Syndergaard at the helm
Noah Syndergaard of the Mets delivers against the Giants on Sept 2 in San Francisco, CA. The Mets won 4-1.
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Happy times
Matt Davidson and Yolmer Sanchez of the White Sox celebrate the team win against the Red Sox on Sept. 2 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox won 8-0.
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Dusty landing
Javier Baez of the Cubs is safe at third base on a triple against the Phillies on Sept. 2 in Philadelphia. The Cubs won 8-2.
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There yo go
The Tigers' Victor Reyes, right, hits an RBI double as the Yankees' Austin Romine, left, looks on, on Sept. 2, in New York. The Tigers won 11-7.
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Return to the mound
Shohei Ohtani of the Angels pitches in the first inning against the Astros on Sept. 2 in Houston, Texas. The Astros won 4-2.
Verlander gets emotional during video before start vs. Tigers
Justin Verlander was touched by video tribute featuring top moments from his career in Detroit.For the first time in his career, Justin Verlander is a visitor at Comerica Park.
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Celebrating out loud
Matt Kemp of the Dodgers reacts after hitting a two run RBI walk off double against the Diamondbacks on Sept 2 in Los Angeles, CA. The Dodgers won 3-2.
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High five coach
Ronald Acuna, Jr. of the Braves is congratulated by coach Ron Washington after hitting a first inning solo home run against the Pirates on Sept. 2 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves won 5-1.
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Honoring Hawk on Hawk Day
Former baseball player and announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson speaks during a ceremony before game between the White Sox and Red Sox on Sept 2 in Chicago, IL.
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Breaking BAT
Chris Shaw of the Giants breaks his bat while hitting a fly out against the Mets on Sept. 2 in San Francisco, California. The Mets defeated the Giants 4-1.
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Pitching perfect
Red Sox's Eduardo Rodriguez throws to a White Sox batter during the first inning on Sept. 1 in Chicago. Red Sox won 6-1.
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Happy dug out
Cubs' Kris Bryant is congratulated after scoring on a triple by Kyle Schwarber during the third inning against the Phillies on Sept. 1 in Philadelphia. Cubs won 7-1.
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Watching it go
The Yankees' Gleyber Torres follows through on a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the Tigers on Sept. 1 in New York. Yankees won 2-1.
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Castillo helps Reds shut down Cardinals
The Reds' Luis Castillo delivers during the first inning against the Cardinals on Sept. 1 in St. Louis.
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Struggling
Dodgers' Kenley Jansen points upwards after retiring the Diamondbacks on Sept. 1 in Los Angeles. Dodgers won 3-2.
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Safe sliding
Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals reacts after sliding safely into second base against the Reds on Sept. 1 in St. Louis, Missouri. Reds beat Cardinals 4-0.
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In form
The Nationals' Trea Turner throws to first on a Brewers' Manny Pina single during the fifth inning on Sept. 1 in Washington. Nationals won 5-4.
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Cabrera lifts Phillies
Asdrubal Cabrera of the Phillies has Powerade poured on him after his walk off home run against the Cubs, on Aug. 31 in Philadelphia, Penn. The Phillies won 2-1.
Red Sox's Sale to return as 'opener' against Blue Jays
Chris Sale comes off the disabled list to start for the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday at Fenway Park. But don't get excited.But don't get excited -- Sale will just be working as what is now called, "the opener," pitching the first two innings before departing.
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Smashing homers
The Yankees' Brett Gardner hits a two-run home run as the Tigers' catcher James McCann and umpire Nic Lentz look on, on Aug. 31 in New York. The Yankees won 7-5.
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Up top
Austin Gomber (68) and Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals celebrate after Carpenter's three-run home run against the Reds, on Aug. 31 in St. Louis, MO. The Cardinals won 12-5.
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Sending it deep
Yoan Moncada of the White Sox hits a two-run home run against the Red Sox, on Aug. 31 in Chicago, IL. The White Sox won 6-1.
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Dugout cheers
Travis Shaw of the Brewers celebrates a two-run home run against the Nationals, on Aug. 31 in Washington, DC. The Brewers won 4-1.
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Perfect debut
Aramis Garcia of the Giants in his major league debut hits an RBI single against the Mets, on Aug. 31 in San Francisco, Calif. The Giants won 7-0.
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Rounding bases
Edwin Encarnacion of the Indians rounds the bases after hitting a solo homer against the Rays, on Aug. 31 in Cleveland, OH. The Indians won 3-0.
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Angled hit
The Dodgers' Enrique Hernandez hits a solo home run as the Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis watches along with home plate umpire Tom Hallion, on Aug. 31 in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won 3-2.
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Just short
The Cubs’ Javier Baez tags out Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. during an attempt to steal second on Aug. 30 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cubs won 5-4.
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Pitching in style
The Cardinals’ Jordan Hicks delivers during a game against the Pirates on Aug. 30 in St. Louis. The Cardinals won 5-0.
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Connected well
The Indians’ Jason Kipnis connects for a three-run home run during a game against the Twins on Aug. 30 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians won 5-3.
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Winning contribution
Kole Calhoun of the Angels singles against the Astros on Aug. 30 in Houston, Texas. The Angles won 5-2.
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Path blocked
The Dodgers' Yasiel Puig is tagged out by Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray as Puig tried to advance to second base following a throwing error on his ground ball during a game on Aug. 30 in Los Angeles. The Diamondbacks won 3-1.
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Having a blast
Dee Gordon and Guillermo Heredia of the Mariners celebrates defeating the Athletics 7-1 on Aug. 30 in Oakland, California. The Mariners won 7-1.
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Tagged
The Yankees’ Brett Gardner is tagged out by the Tigers’ Jeimer Candelario during a game on Aug. 30 in Bronx, New York. The Tigers won 8-7.
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Safely home
Ian Kinsler of the Red Sox runs to home plate to score a run against the White Sox on Aug. 30 in Chicago, Illinois. The Red Sox won 9-4.
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Unstoppable
Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers dives into third base after hitting a triple against the Rangers on Aug. 29 in Arlington, Texas. The Dodgers won 3-1.
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Winter is coming
The Twins’ Taylor Rogers delivers in a game against the Indians on Aug. 29 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Twins won 4-3.
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Betts beats the pitch
Mookie Betts of the Red Sox drives in two runs for the lead against the Marlins on Aug. 29 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 14-6.
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Teamwork
The White Sox’s Nicky Delmonico scores on a two-run double against Yankees’ Austin Romine during a game on Aug. 29 in Bronx, New York. The White Sox won 4-1.
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That's how they celebrate
The Orioles' Tim Beckham (1) and Adam Jones (10) celebrate after Jones scored on Beckham's three-run home run against the Blue Jays on Aug. 28 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Orioles won 10-5.
Red Sox's Sale to return as 'opener' against Blue Jays .
Chris Sale comes off the disabled list to start for the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday at Fenway Park. But don't get excited.But don't get excited -- Sale will just be working as what is now called, "the opener," pitching the first two innings before departing.
The Red Sox posted an 8-2 victory over Atlanta In their first visit to Sun Trust Park,.ATLANTA — The Red Sox, shut out by the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, were scoreless through four innings against the Atlanta Braves Monday afternoon and didn’t have a hit against rookie Touki Toussaint. 
The primary combatants in Tuesday’s altercation in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse appear to have been identified. Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported that Mariners infielders Dee Gordon and Jean Segura were the players involved in the skirmish, which occurred prior to a game at home against the league-worst Baltimore Orioles. 
Reality slapped baseball fans in the face when Tommy John surgery was recommended for the Angels' dynamic star, Shohei Ohtani.It stinks for the Los Angeles Angels. 
LOS ANGELES — Zack Wheeler stayed in the game after getting hit in the chest by a line drive, pitching seven sharp innings to lead the New York Mets over the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-3 Wednesday. Max Muncy and Cody Bellinger homered for the playoff-contending Dodgers, who lost for third time in their past 12 games. Los Angeles finished with three hits. Wilmer Flores had a pair of RBI singles and Amed Rosario got three hits for the Mets, who went 5-4 on their road trip to Wrigley Field, San Francisco and Los Angeles.Wheeler (10-7) retired the first 11 batters before Justin Turner hit a liner in the fourth inning that struck the pitcher. 
We’re less than a month away from the MLB playoffs. Despite the limited time, the teams that will be in those playoffs are still in doubt. We’re less than a month away from the MLB playoffs. Despite the limited time, the teams that will be in those playoffs are still in doubt. 
Matt Olson hit Chris Martin's second pitch of the eighth inning for a tiebreaking home run Saturday afternoon, lifting the Oakland Athletics to an 8-6 win over the Texas Rangers in Oakland, Calif. BOX SCORE: ATHLETICS 8, RANGERS 6The win allowed the A's (86-57) to keep pace with Houston (89-53) atop the American League West. The Astros, who retained a 3 1/2-game lead, beat the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive day on Saturday. 
Justin Verlander was touched by video tribute featuring top moments from his career in Detroit.For the first time in his career, Justin Verlander is a visitor at Comerica Park. 
Chris Sale comes off the disabled list to start for the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday at Fenway Park. But don't get excited.But don't get excited -- Sale will just be working as what is now called, "the opener," pitching the first two innings before departing. 
