HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):7:40 p.m.Ryan Zimmerman went deep in his first World Series at-bat.Zimmerman, the first player drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2005, hit a two-out solo homer in the second inning off Houston starter Gerrit Cole.The blast to center, measured by MLB stats at about 413 feet, got the Nationals within 2-1.___7:35 p.m.Houston's Gerrit Cole (326) and Washington's Max Scherzer (243) combined for the most strikeouts ever by starting pitchers in a World Series game.After a pregame tribute to umpire Eric Cooper, who died last weekend, the game started with the roof closed at Minute Maid Park, and Yuli Gurriel put the Astros ahead with a two-run double in the first against Scherzer.Trea Turner led off against Cole with a grounder to the shortstop hole that went off the outstretched glove of Carlos Correa. Turner reached on the infield hit, then stole second on the first pitch to Adam Eaton. That was the first steal attempt in the... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):7:10 p.m.Five-time Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt from the Houston Texas wore a Jose Altuve jersey when giving an enthusiastic "Play Ball!" before the Astros opened the World Series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.Texans players wore Astros gear when they departed Houston for their game at Indianapolis last weekend.When Watt arrived at the stadium before Sunday's NFL game, he also sported an Altuve jersey, that time with the No. 27 and the 5-foot-6 second baseman's name facing the front. That was after Altuve's AL pennant-clinching two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6 of the AL Championship Series to beat the New York Yankees on Saturday night.___7:05 p.m.Brian McCann didn't make it to the World Series as a player after returning to his original team. He was still there for Game 1 in Houston.McCann, the primary catcher for the Astros' championship season two years ago, threw out the... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):5:10 p.m.Right-handers Joe Ross and Wander Suero were added to the Washington Nationals' active roster for the World Series in place of Roenis Elías and Austin Voth.Ross started Game 4 in the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing four runs, three hits and a walk in 2 2/3 innings. Washington rebounded to tie the score before losing 6-5.Suero entered in Game 3 after Los Angeles had scored four runs off Patrick Corbin to take a 5-2 lead. Suero allowed a three-run homer to Justin Turner, his first batter, and gave up a double before getting the final out of the inning. That was his only appearance of the series.Elías and Voth were on the roster for the NL Championship Series sweep of St. Louis but did not pitch,"I can use Ross in back-to-back days," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. "Voth, I don't really know if we use him one day, he might not be able to pitch back-to-back days."___3:25 p.m.Trea Turner... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the World Series (all times local):3:25 p.m.Trea Turner will be the first batter in this year's World Series when the Washington Nationals shortstop leads off Game 1 on Tuesday night against Houston right-hander Gerrit Cole.The rest of the Nationals starting lineup has RF Adam Eaton batting second, followed by 3B Anthony Rendon, LF Juan Soto, DH Howie Kendrick, 2B Asdrúbal Cabrera, 1B Ryan Zimmerman, C Kurt Suzuki and CF Victor Robles.Houston's lineup against Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer has CF George Springer leading off, followed by 2B Jose Altuve, LF Michael Brantley, 3B Alex Bregman, 1B Yuli Gurriel, SS Carlos Correa, DH Yordan Alvarez, C Martin Maldonado and RF Josh Reddick.___2 p.m.The assistant general manager of the Houston Astros has issued a statement apologizing for using "inappropriate language" after a report in Sports Illustrated said he repeatedly yelled toward a group of female reporters during the team's celebration after clinching the... [More]

A position-by-position look at the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros going into the World Series, starting Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park:___First Base:Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman. The longtime face of the franchise, Zimmerman was Washington's first draft pick in 2005 after the team moved to the nation's capital from Montreal. The fan favorite has been through all of the Nationals' ups and downs, from a string of painful early playoff exits to the feel-good story of his first trip to the World Series this season. A converted third baseman, he's been hampered by injuries much of the past six years — including shoulder problems that affect his throwing. But at age 35, he's become an everyday player again during a solid postseason.Astros: Yuli Gurriel. From a family of baseball royalty in Cuba, the highly touted Gurriel got a $47.5 million contract and has established himself as a productive RBI man during three full years in the majors. He took off in late June and put together a big... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Anthony Rendon vividly remembers his one visit to the Astrodome as a child to see the Houston Astros and his beloved Killer B's."I was really young at that time but that memory still sticks in my head," the Washington Nationals star said.And along with the excitement of seeing Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Derek Bell, something else is seared in his senses. It has to do with the condition of the once-famed stadium that was in disrepair near the end of its run as the home of the Astros."It was a very smelly place," he said. "We got a tour, a behind the scenes kind of deal, and that place was really dirty and really stinky."This week Rendon is back in his hometown, and it's not as a fan. Instead, he's leading the Nationals to their first World Series against the team he rooted for as a child.The Astrodome has long been closed and he'll get a chance to put on a show for friends and family in the domed (and very pleasant smelling) confines of Minute Maid Park.The third baseman... [More]

A look at the best-of-seven World Series between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros:___Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Tuesday, at Houston, 8:08 p.m.; Game 2, Wednesday, at Houston, 8:07 p.m.; Game 3, Friday, at Washington, 8:07 p.m.; Game 4, Saturday, at Washington, 8:07 p.m.; x-Game 5, Sunday, Oct. 27, at Washington, 8:07 p.m.; x-Game 6, Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Houston, 8:07 p.m.; x-Game 7, Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Houston, 8:08 p.m. (All games on FOX).x-if necessary.___Season Series: Did not play.___Projected Lineups:Nationals: SS Trea Turner (.298, 19 HRs, 57 RBIs, 37 2Bs, 35 SBs, 96 runs), RF Adam Eaton (.279, 15, 49, 15 SBs, 103 runs), 3B Anthony Rendon (.319, 34, 126, 44 2Bs, 117 runs, 1.010 OPS), LF Juan Soto (.282, 34, 110, 110 runs, .949 OPS), 2B Howie Kendrick (.344, 17, 62), 1B Ryan Zimmerman (.257, 6, 27 in 52 games), DH Asdrúbal Cabrera (.260, 18, 91 in 131 games with Texas and Washington) or Matt Adams (.226, 20, 56, 115 Ks, 310 ABs in 111 games), C Kurt Suzuki (.264,... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — NL MVP candidate Anthony Rendon surveyed his teammates scattered around the Nationals Park diamond, whoopin' it up after clinching a World Series berth.There were starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Aníbal Sánchez, each 35 — and each responsible for taking a no-hit bid into at least the seventh inning as Washington won Games 1 and 2 of the NL Championship Series. So was Howie Kendrick, 36, the second baseman who earned NLCS MVP honors with four doubles and four RBIs in the sweep. And Ryan Zimmerman, 35, the first baseman slugging .484 this postseason."A lot of old guys on the team," Rendon observed. "They call themselves 'Viejos.'"Indeed, they do, and "Los Viejos" — Spanish for "The Old Guys" — are a big part of why the Nationals are getting ready to face the Astros in the Fall Classic, which opens Tuesday night in Houston.There's also catcher Kurt Suzuki, 36, and reliever Fernando Rodney, 42, the oldest active player in the majors."People think we are old men and we can't... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — NL MVP candidate Anthony Rendon surveyed his teammates scattered around the Nationals Park diamond, whoopin' it up after clinching a World Series berth.There were starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Aníbal Sánchez, each 35 — and each responsible for taking a no-hit bid into at least the seventh inning as Washington won Games 1 and 2 of the NL Championship Series. So was Howie Kendrick, 36, the second baseman who earned NLCS MVP honors with four doubles and four RBIs in the sweep. And Ryan Zimmerman, 35, the first baseman slugging .484 this postseason."A lot of old guys on the team," Rendon observed. "They call themselves 'Viejos.'"Indeed, they do, and "Los Viejos" — Spanish for "The Old Guys" — are a big part of why the Nationals are getting ready to face the Astros in the Fall Classic, which opens Tuesday night in Houston.There's also catcher Kurt Suzuki, 36, and reliever Fernando Rodney, 42, the oldest active player in the majors."People think we are old men and we can't... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — NL MVP candidate Anthony Rendon surveyed his teammates scattered around the Nationals Park diamond, whoopin' it up after clinching a World Series berth.There were starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Aníbal Sánchez, each 35 — and each responsible for taking a no-hit bid into at least the seventh inning as Washington won Games 1 and 2 of the NL Championship Series. So was Howie Kendrick, 36, the second baseman who earned NLCS MVP honors with four doubles and four RBIs in the sweep. And Ryan Zimmerman, 35, the first baseman slugging .484 this postseason."A lot of old guys on the team," Rendon observed. "They call themselves 'Viejos.'"Indeed, they do, and "Los Viejos" — Spanish for "The Old Guys" — are a big part of why the Nationals are getting ready to face the Astros in the Fall Classic, which opens Tuesday night in Houston.There's also catcher Kurt Suzuki, 36, and reliever Fernando Rodney, 42, the oldest active player in the majors."People think we are old men and we can't... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — It had the feel of spring training Friday at Nationals Park, what with the clear blue sky, the crisp breeze and temperature in the low 60s that made it feel like time for the Fall Classic or February, the start-of-camp baserunning drills and the navy "Grapefruit League" T-shirt worn by Aníbal Sánchez.As Sánchez did some long toss in right field, the other members of Washington's postseason rotation that carried the club to the World Series — Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin — worked out, too."A dream staff," catcher Kurt Suzuki said.Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo assembled it, he explained, because an emphasis on starting pitchers has "always been a part of my DNA as an executive."In this day and age of "openers" and "bullpen days" and "a starter shouldn't face a lineup a third time" and "high-leverage relief," Rizzo's Nationals stick by an older set of words: "Good pitching beats good hitting."Scherzer, Strasburg, Corbin and Sánchez — neither Rizzo... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — It had the feel of spring training Friday at Nationals Park, what with the clear blue sky, the crisp breeze and temperature in the low 60s that made it feel like time for the Fall Classic or February, the start-of-camp baserunning drills and the navy "Grapefruit League" T-shirt worn by Aníbal Sánchez.As Sánchez did some long toss in right field, the other members of Washington's postseason rotation that carried the club to the World Series — Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin — worked out, too."A dream staff," catcher Kurt Suzuki said.Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo assembled it, he explained, because an emphasis on starting pitchers has "always been a part of my DNA as an executive."In this day and age of "openers" and "bullpen days" and "a starter shouldn't face a lineup a third time" and "high-leverage relief," Rizzo's Nationals stick by an older set of words: "Good pitching beats good hitting."Scherzer, Strasburg, Corbin and Sánchez — neither Rizzo... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt shook his head and blamed himself. The answers aren't coming easy right now.After a third consecutive anemic offensive showing led to an 8-1 blowout loss to the Washington Nationals in Game 3 Monday night, the St. Louis Cardinals are staring down a 3-0 deficit in the NL Championship Series and are one loss from being swept in the best-of-seven playoff.St. Louis scored one unearned run on seven hits and has a total of two runs on 11 hits through three games. It wasn't supposed to be like this, and now the Cardinals are on the brink of elimination going into Game 4 on Tuesday night."We haven't scored," said Goldschmidt, who struck out four times in Game 3. "We haven't executed as an offense. I haven't really done anything this series, and the results speak for themselves, especially tonight. Just have to do a better job."Time is running out to turn things around.Through the first two games of the series, pitching, defense and baserunning helped keep the... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Instead of dwelling on the St. Louis Cardinals' troubles at the plate after two losses in the NL Championship Series, manager Mike Shildt tried to accentuate the positives."We've pitched really, really well," he said. "We've played really good defense. We've run the bases when we're getting the opportunities really well."Not anymore. And it might be too late to do anything about those silent bats.All those previously reliable elements abandoned the Cardinals in Game 3 on Monday night, and their hitting never showed up. After another anemic offensive showing, they got blown out 8-1 by the Washington Nationals to fall into a 3-0 hole and are one loss Tuesday from being swept out of the best-of-seven series.A comedy of errors in the field and on the basepaths and a rare off night for 23-year-old ace Jack Flaherty did little to relieve the pressure of a lineup still flummoxed by Nationals pitching. St. Louis scored one unearned run on a throwing error and has a grand total... [More]

Nationals third. Victor Robles singles to center field. Stephen Strasburg out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Paul Goldschmidt to Kolten Wong. Victor Robles to second. Trea Turner strikes out on a foul tip. Adam Eaton singles to center field. Victor Robles scores. Anthony Rendon doubles to left field. Adam Eaton scores. Juan Soto walks. Howie Kendrick doubles to right center field. Juan Soto scores. Anthony Rendon scores. Ryan Zimmerman grounds out to second base, Kolten Wong to Paul Goldschmidt.4 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 4, Cardinals 0.Nationals fifth. Adam Eaton grounds out to shortstop, Paul DeJong to Paul Goldschmidt. Anthony Rendon singles to shallow center field. Juan Soto flies out to left field to Marcell Ozuna. Howie Kendrick doubles to left center field. Anthony Rendon scores. Ryan Zimmerman doubles to shallow center field. Howie Kendrick scores. Kurt Suzuki pops out to second base to Kolten Wong.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 6, Cardinals... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Washington catcher Kurt Suzuki is in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the NL Championship Series after being sidelined by a head injury.Suzuki got hurt during Washington's clinching victory in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Wednesday night. He was hit on the left wrist by a pitch, and the ball shot up and knocked off his helmet.Suzuki missed the Nationals' 2-0 victory over St. Louis in the NLCS opener, but he was back behind the plate on Saturday. He was hitting seventh in the batting order.While Suzuki returned to the field, center fielder Victor Robles was out of the lineup again because of a strained right hamstring. He got hurt in Game 2 against Los Angeles.The Cardinals stayed with the same starting lineup they used in the series opener.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Washington Nationals were without one of their top relievers for the start of the NL Championship Series after Daniel Hudson was placed on the postseason paternity list.Hudson and his wife welcomed a baby girl Friday. Nationals manager Dave Martinez said everyone is healthy."He's going to try to get back here possibly tomorrow," Martinez said. "But for me, I told him, I said, 'Hey, family is always first.' I get it. I understand. The timing didn't work out like we thought. Baby wasn't ready to come out, so we get him back when we get him back."Right-hander Wander Suero will be on Washington's active roster against St. Louis until Hudson returns. Hudson, who has two saves and a win during the playoffs, is permitted to be away from the team for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days. When he rejoins the Nationals, he will take Suero's spot.Major League Baseball approved the roster substitution and announced it Friday, hours before Game 1 in the best-of-seven... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Washington Nationals reliever Daniel Hudson was placed on the postseason paternity list Friday and won't be available to pitch at the beginning of the NL Championship Series against St. Louis.Right-hander Wander Suero will be on Washington's active roster until Hudson returns. Hudson, who has two saves and a win during the playoffs, is permitted to be away from the team for a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days. When he rejoins the Nationals, he will take Suero's spot.Major League Baseball approved the roster substitution and announced it hours before Game 1 in the best-of-seven series at Busch Stadium.Hudson's absence weakens a shaky Washington bullpen that had the worst ERA in the National League at 5.66. The right-hander went 3-0 with a 1.44 ERA and six saves in 24 regular-season appearances for the Nationals after he was acquired from Toronto at the July 31 trade deadline. He's pitched in four playoff games this month against the Brewers and Dodgers, throwing... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:WELCOME TO THE NLCSThe Washington Nationals play in the NL Championship Series for the first time, taking on St. Louis at Busch Stadium. Aníbal Sánchez starts for the Nats against Miles Mikolas.Both teams won a deciding Game 5 on the road in the NL Division Series. The Cardinals scored 10 runs in the first inning and romped past Atlanta 13-1 while Washington rallied late and beat the Dodgers 7-3 in 10 innings.Nationals aces Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin all got plenty of work in the NLDS. Sánchez was 11-8 with a 3.85 ERA this season, then gave up one run in five innings in his lone appearance against Los Angeles.Washington manager Dave Martinez says he hasn't decided how he will line up the rest of his starting staff after Sánchez. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said Adam Wainwright will start Game 2, followed by Jack Flaherty and Dakota Hudson, who will be available out of the bullpen at the beginning of the series.MAMMOTH... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Friday:WELCOME TO THE NLCSThe Washington Nationals play in the NL Championship Series for the first time, taking on St. Louis at Busch Stadium. Aníbal Sánchez starts for the Nats against Miles Mikolas.Both teams won a deciding Game 5 on the road in the NL Division Series. The Cardinals scored 10 runs in the first inning and romped past Atlanta 13-1 while Washington rallied late and beat the Dodgers 7-3 in 10 innings.Nationals aces Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin all got plenty of work in the NLDS. Sánchez was 11-8 with a 3.85 ERA this season, then gave up one run in five innings in his lone appearance against Los Angeles.Washington manager Dave Martinez says he hasn't decided how he will line up the rest of his starting staff after Sánchez. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said Adam Wainwright will start Game 2, followed by Jack Flaherty and Dakota Hudson, who will be available out of the bullpen at the beginning of the series.MAMMOTH... [More]