DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 8:45 p.m. Pete Alonso of the New York Mets became the third back-to-back Home Run Derby champion, beating No. 6 seed Trey Mancini in the final. Alonso and his blue-and-orange bat went 6 for 6 in a 28-second stretch to give him 23 homers in the final round after Mancini hit 22 in the thin Rocky Mountain air. The 26-year-old Alonso joins Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only players to win two straight. Alonso has one distinction, though — his titles are over three seasons. There wasn’t an event last season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Before stepping to the plate for the final, Alonso danced and sang along with the crowd to Journey’s hit song “Don’t Stop Believin.’” He didn’t stop believing, either. Needing six to win, he made quick work of that. After his winning blast, Alonso flexed for a brief moment, headed toward the mound and then put on a giant chain. Pitching strikes... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 8:25 p.m. Mets slugger Pete Alonso took a step closer to defending his Home Run Derby title by beating Juan Soto and advancing to the final. Alonso cruised to 16 homers, eclipsing Soto’s total of 15. The Washington Nationals standout appeared exhausted after pulling off the stunner of the event by knocking off top-seeded Shohei Ohtani in a second tiebreaker. Soto had the farthest homer of the event in the first round, a 520-foot shot. His longest in the semifinals was 481. Wielding his blue-and-orange bat, Alonso hit 14 homers and with 63 seconds left called timeout. He played to the crowd, asking them to cheer. They did. Alonso won the event in 2019. With one more win, Alonso would join Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only back-to-back champions. ___ 8:05 p.m. No. 6 seed Trey Mancini earned a spot in the final of the Home Run Derby by knocking off hometown favorite Trevor Story.... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 8:05 p.m. No. 6 seed Trey Mancini earned a spot in the final of the Home Run Derby by knocking off hometown favorite Trevor Story. The Baltimore Orioles first baseman hit 13 homers, including the winner with 23 seconds left on the clock. Fireworks went off to celebrate his victory over Story, the Colorado Rockies shortstop who finished with 12. Mancini is trying to become the third Orioles player to win the event. He would join Miguel Tejada (2004) and Cal Ripken Jr. (1991). The 29-year-old Mancini returned this season after treatment for colon cancer. Mancini was diagnosed during spring training last year and missed the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. ___ 7:45 p.m. Top-seeded Shohei Ohtani bowed out in the Home Run Derby’s first round, beaten by Nationals star Juan Soto in a scintillating showdown that went to a second tiebreaker. Ohtani struggled early in his first round but rallied during his final minute to match Soto... [More]

DENVER (AP) — As five dozen All-Stars sat outside Coors Field ahead of the All-Star Game, they looked forward to the Greatest Sho on Earth. Shohei Ohtani is the starriest of them all, the center of attention for players and fans like no one before at baseball's midsummer classic. Fans cheered when he was introduced Monday at a news conference located outdoors, across the street from Coors Field due to the pandemic. He was to compete in Monday night's Home Derby, start on the mound for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game and hit leadoff as the designated hitter. Ohtani is doing just about everything other than mow the grass and solve the ballpark's mile-high hitter-friendly air currents. “People always say, ‘Oh no, he can’t do that,’ until the guy goes out and does it,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said. “And then, when he does do it, it’s like, ‘Oh, we knew it the whole time.’” A 27-year-old in his fourth major league season with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani will be... [More]

DENVER (AP) — As five dozen All-Stars sat outside Coors Field ahead of the All-Star Game, they looked forward to the Greatest Sho on Earth. Shohei Ohtani is the starriest of them all, the center of attention for players and fans like no one before at baseball's midsummer classic. Fans cheered when he was introduced Monday at a news conference located outdoors, across the street from Coors Field due to the pandemic. He was to compete in Monday night's Home Derby, start on the mound for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game and hit leadoff as the designated hitter. Ohtani is doing just about everything other than mow the grass and solve the ballpark's mile-high hitter-friendly air currents. “People always say, ‘Oh no, he can’t do that,’ until the guy goes out and does it,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said. “And then, when he does do it, it’s like, ‘Oh, we knew it the whole time.’” A 27-year-old in his fourth major league season with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani will be... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is the top seed for Monday night's All-Star Home Run Derby at Denver's Coors Field and will compete in the first round against Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, seeded eighth. Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo is seeded second and will face Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, Major League Baseball said Wednesday. Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson will go against Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini, and Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez will hit against New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who won the last derby in 2019. Seeding was determined by home run total through Tuesday, and ties were broken with 2020 figures. In the case of Mancini, who didn't play last year, 2019 totals were used to break a tie with Alonso. The field was completed Wednesday with Soto and Gallo. Alonso is trying to join Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) is winning consecutive titles. The... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The field is set for the All-Star Home Run Derby after Texas Rangers slugger Joey Gallo and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto filled the last two spots Wednesday for next week's slugfest at Coors Field in Denver. Gallo has 23 homers after going deep two more times Wednesday, with shots of 462 and 440 feet to become the first Rangers player ever with 10 homers in a 10-game span. The 27-year-old right fielder wasn't in the derby when he was an All-Star for the first time in 2019, but homered on the only pitch he saw in the game. The 22-year-old Soto, a first-time All-Star, began Wednesday with 10 home runs. He announced his participation on Instagram before the Nationals played at San Diego. The two will compete Monday with Los Angeles Angels pitcher-designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez, Oakland first baseman Matt Olson, Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini and Colorado shortstop Trevor Story in the derby. Alonso won the most recent derby in 2019. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto is joining Monday's All-Star Home Run Derby at Denver’s Coors Field. The 22-year-old, a first-time All-Star, began Wednesday with 10 home runs. He announced his participation on Instagram before the Nationals played at San Diego. He joins Los Angeles Angels pitcher-designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez, Oakland first baseman Matt Olson, Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini and Colorado shortstop Trevor Story in the derby. One spot remains open. Alonso won the most recent derby in 2019. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL's designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and a pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL's designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the near century history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a hitter and a pitcher. The Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation was among the American League starting pitchers picked Sunday for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start as the AL's designated hitter. Boston has the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. Designated hitter J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Houston and Toronto have four All-Stars each. Ohtani received 121 votes in balloting by players, managers and coaches announced three days after fan-elected starters were revealed. “The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” Angels manager Joe... [More]

Washington’s Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning against Tampa Bay on Tuesday night with his 12th home run in 10 games, tying Albert Belle in 1995 for the most over that span since at least 1901. Schwarber drove Rich Hill’s first pitch, an 83 mph fastball, 434 feet off the upper-deck facade in right for his major league-leading seventh leadoff home run — all in June. Schwarber’s 16 home runs this month are the second-most in any June behind Sammy Sosa’s 20 in 1998. He has 16 home runs in 18 games since being moved into the leadoff spot in the Nationals’ batting order on June 8. Schwarber has 25 home runs overall, tied with San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr., three shy of the major league-leading total of the Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani and one back of Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Juan Soto followed two batters later with a two-run drive, and Victor Robles added a solo homer in the second for a 4-0 lead. Schwarber grounded into a double play in the second inning. The 28-year-old became a free agent Dec. 2 when the Chicago Cubs failed to offer a 2021 contract. He agreed in January to a $10 million, one-year contract with the Nationals calling for a $7 million salary, a deal that includes an $11.5 million mutual option for 2022 with a $3 million buyout. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MIAMI (AP) — This time, Max Scherzer didn’t come unbuckled. The Nationals' ace allowed one run in six innings and passed two umpire inspections without a fuss, helping Washington beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Sunday to earn a split of their four-game series. Scherzer (7-4) struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 2.14. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who threatened to disrobe when baseball began its crackdown on sticky substances, underwent two brief examinations at the end of innings and didn't complain — at least not to the ump. “He checked my hat, checked my glove, checked my belt,” Scherzer said with a frown. “Whatever. Whatever.” Scherzer has said the MLB crackdown has made it more difficult to grip and control pitches. “Everybody is getting used to it,” he said. “Everybody is having to deal with it. I'm not going to sit here and make excuses about it. Everybody has to play under these rules now.” Helping Scherzer's mood were opposite-field two-run homers by Trea Turner and Josh... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Max Scherzer allowed one run in six innings and passed two umpire inspections without a fuss, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Sunday to earn a split of their four-game series. Trea Turner and Josh Bell each hit a two-run homer in the sixth against Sandy Alcantara to break the game open. Scherzer (7-4) struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 2.14. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who has been animated in his unhappiness about baseball’s recent crackdown on sticky substances, underwent two brief checks at the end of innings with no complaint. Scherzer has more wins versus the Marlins than against any other team, with a 15-5 record in 26 starts, including 2-0 in two starts this year. The score was 1-all in the sixth when Alcantara (4-7) unraveled. He walked Kyle Schwarber on four pitches to lead off, and Turner hit his 12th homer. Juan Soto reached on an infield hit, and Bell hit his 11th homer. Alcantara allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings.... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Max Scherzer allowed one run in six innings and passed two umpire inspections without a fuss, helping the Washington Nationals beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 on Sunday to earn a split of their four-game series. Trea Turner and Josh Bell each hit a two-run homer in the sixth against Sandy Alcantara to break the game open. Scherzer (7-4) struck out seven and lowered his ERA to 2.14. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who has been animated in his unhappiness about baseball's recent crackdown on sticky substances, underwent two brief checks at the end of innings with no complaint. Scherzer has more wins versus the Marlins than against any other team, with a 15-5 record in 26 starts, including 2-0 in two starts this year. The score was 1-all in the sixth when Alcantara (4-7) unraveled. He walked Kyle Schwarber on four pitches to lead off, and Turner hit his 12th homer. Juan Soto reached on an infield hit, and Bell hit his 11th homer. Alcantara allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings.... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zach Davies and three Chicago Cubs relievers combined for the seventh no-hitter in the majors this year, blanking the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 Thursday night and tying the record for most in a single baseball season since 1900. The Dodgers drew eight walks, getting at least one from each Cubs pitcher, but managed no other baserunners. Davies (5-4) issued five walks and used 94 pitches to get through six innings against the defending World Series champions in the 16th start of his first season with the Cubs. Ryan Tepera and Andrew Chafin each went one inning. Craig Kimbrel then walked Chris Taylor leading off the ninth, but the closer struck out Cody Bellinger, Albert Pujols and pinch-hitter Will Smith to finish the 17th no-hitter in Cubs history — the team’s first combined effort. Javier Báez homered in the first inning and Willson Contreras added a two-run shot in the sixth for the Cubs, who happily celebrated the franchise’s first no-hitter since last Sept. 13, when... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge homered for the first of his three hits, Gary Sánchez connected for the second straight game and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-1 Thursday for their first blowout victory in a month. Judge hit a solo shot in the first, Luke Voit had another in the third off Brad Keller (6-8) and Sánchez blew open the game with a three-run drive in the sixth. Jameson Taillon (2-4) ended an eight-start winless streak, allowing a run, five hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. New York has won seven of nine. RAYS 1, RED SOX 0 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Kevin Kiermaier broke up a combined no-hit bid by Boston with a one-out double in the eighth inning and Manuel Margot scored on a wild pitch in the ninth for Tampa Bay. Margot got Tampa Bay’s second hit, a two-out single in the ninth off Matt Barnes (3-2). He stole second and went to third on a throwing error by catcher Christian Vázquez. J.P. Feyereisen (4-1) worked the ninth inning of a four-hitter. Boston dropped... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Yan Gomes hit a game-ending single in the ninth inning, Erick Fedde extended his scoreless streak to 20 innings and the Washington Nationals two-hit the first-place New York Mets in a 1-0 victory Friday night. Juan Soto opened the ninth with a walk and moved to third on Ryan Zimmerman’s single to right. Gomes then singled to left to beat Edwin Díaz (1-2). Brad Hand (4-2) pitched the ninth to close out Washington’s gem. The Nationals have won a season-high five straight. Fedde pitched seven dominant innings, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out six. The right-hander’s scoreless streak is the longest on the team this season. Fedde’s ERA is down to 3.33. Joey Lucchesi countered with 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out five. Three Mets relievers followed with 2 2/3 scoreless before Díaz struggled in the ninth. ORIOLES 7, BLUE JAYS 1 BALTIMORE (AP) — Cedric Mullins homered twice and Thomas Eshelman pitched effectively... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Yan Gomes hit a game-ending single in the ninth inning, Erick Fedde extended his scoreless streak to 20 innings and the Washington Nationals two-hit the first-place New York Mets in a 1-0 victory Friday night. Juan Soto opened the ninth with a walk and moved to third on Ryan Zimmerman’s single to right. Gomes then singled to left to beat Edwin Díaz (1-2). Brad Hand (4-2) pitched the ninth to close out Washington’s gem. The Nationals have won a season-high five straight. Fedde pitched seven dominant innings, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out six. The right-hander’s scoreless streak is the longest on the team this season. Fedde’s ERA is down to 3.33. Joey Lucchesi countered with 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out five. Three Mets relievers followed with 2 2/3 scoreless before Díaz struggled in the ninth. ORIOLES 7, BLUE JAYS 1 BALTIMORE (AP) — Cedric Mullins homered twice and Thomas Eshelman pitched effectively... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Yan Gomes hit a game-ending single in the ninth inning, Erick Fedde extended his scoreless streak to 20 innings and the Washington Nationals two-hit the first-place New York Mets in a 1-0 victory Friday night. Juan Soto opened the ninth with a walk and moved to third on Ryan Zimmerman’s single to right. Gomes then singled to left to beat Edwin Díaz (1-2). Brad Hand (4-2) pitched the ninth to close out Washington’s gem. The Nationals have won a season-high five straight. Fedde pitched seven dominant innings, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out six. The right-hander’s scoreless streak is the longest on the team this season. Fedde’s ERA is down to 3.33. Joey Lucchesi countered with 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out five. Three Mets relievers followed with 2 2/3 scoreless before Díaz struggled in the ninth. ORIOLES 7, BLUE JAYS 1 BALTIMORE (AP) — Cedric Mullins homered twice and Thomas Eshelman pitched effectively... [More]