World Series games turning into the Late, Late Show
WASHINGTON — Snacking on chicken at a picnic table near section 402, decked out in his curly “W” cap and pullover, Bob Batwinis hoped to see a lot at Game 4 of the World Series. Exciting plays. A Washington win. And maybe, just maybe, on this evening at Nationals Park,...
Astros owner Jim Crane apologizes to SI reporter Stephanie Apstein, retracts statementVideo
NEW YORK — Houston Astros owner Jim Crane has sent a letter to a Sports Illustrated reporter to apologize for his team accusing her of trying to “fabricate a story.” Stephanie Apstein reported Monday night that Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman repeatedly yelled toward a group of female reporters...
Astros rout Nationals, even World Series at 2-2Video
WASHINGTON — Not bad for a TBA. Unheralded rookie José Urquidy outpitched all those big-name aces who preceded him, quieting Washington’s bats and the Nationals Park crowd, too. Alex Bregman busted out of his slump with a go-ahead single in the first inning and a grand slam in the seventh,...
Trump intends to uphold tradition of presidents and baseball
NEW YORK — President Donald Trump’s plan to attend Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday will continue a rich tradition of intertwining the American presidency with America’s pastime. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s limousine drove onto to the field ahead of the 1933 World Series, the last time the nation’s...
Astros strike back with World Series Game 3 victory vs. NationalsVideo
WASHINGTON — The World Series finally showed up back in Washington, 86 years later — and, sparked by José Altuve, the Houston Astros finally showed up in this World Series. Altuve doubled twice and scored both times, Zack Greinke repeatedly worked out of trouble and the Astros showed they were...
Even amid impeachment probe, both sides cheer for the Nationals
WASHINGTON — As he took the podium last week in the White House briefing room, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney was a familiar Washington figure — a former congressman and D.C. transplant who cheers for the team that calls Capitol Hill home. “I did want to come out here...
Trump critic gets 1st pitch at World Series game that Trump will attend
WASHINGTON — A day after President Donald Trump said he plans to attend Game 5 of the World Series, the Washington Nationals announced the ceremonial first pitch at that game will be thrown by chef José Andrés, a vocal critic of Trump. Four years ago, Andrés withdrew from plans to...
Nationals’ Game 3 starter Sanchez unheralded but effective
WASHINGTON — Anibal Sanchez is not as highly touted — or as highly paid — as the three members of the Washington Nationals’ starting staff who already have pitched in this World Series. All he has done this postseason, though, is go 1-0 with a 0.71 ERA in two starts,...
Astros fire Brandon Taubman after investigation of ALCS incident
Houston Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman has been terminated less than a week after an alleged incident between him and a group of female reporters. The Astros announced Taubman’s firing Thursday. “Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman’s inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter....
AP source: Rebuilding Padres hire rookie manager Jayce Tingler
SAN DIEGO — A person familiar with the decision says the rebuilding San Diego Padres have hired Jayce Tingler from the Texas Rangers as their new manager. The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hiring hasn’t been announced. Tingler has most recently been the...
Chicago Cubs hire David Ross to replace Joe Maddon as manager
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs hired former catcher David Ross to replace Joe Maddon as their manager Thursday, hoping he can help them get back to the playoffs after missing out for the first since 2014. The Cubs announced a three-year deal with Ross with a club option for the...
AP source: Phillies hiring Joe Girardi as manager
PHILADELPHIA — A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia Phillies are hiring former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace Gabe Kapler. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the team has not announced the decision. Kapler was fired after an injury-depleted team...
First Call: Would Steelers trade Artie Burns?; Eddie Olczyk takes a jab at PiratesVideo
In Thursday’s “First Call,” the “Trump Ump” has local ties. Artie Burns is a potential trade target. And even Eddie Olczyk takes a jab at the Pirates during a hockey broadcast. Why bother? NFL.com has a list of trade ideas for each team before the deadline hits on Oct. 29....
Nationals rout Astros, take commanding World Series leadVideo
HOUSTON — Stephen Strasburg’s time had come. Famously held out of the postseason seven years ago, Strasburg delivered on the biggest stage of all Wednesday night. The right-hander outpitched fellow ace Justin Verlander, overcoming a shaky start to help the Washington Nationals beat the Houston Astros 12-3 for a commanding...
Justin Verlander poised to make outstanding play, throws ball off legVideo
It had the makings of being an absolutely sensational play during the World Series from a future Hall of Famer. Only it wasn’t. In fact, it was a dud in every sense of the word. During the fourth inning of Wednesday’s Game 2 between the Washington Nationals and the Houston...
Simone Biles adds a twist to the ceremonial pitch for Game 2 of the World SeriesVideo
Her toss will never go down in history, but her windup? The judges gave it 10s. Gymnast Simone Biles threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 2 of the World Series but what made it notable was her twisting backflip before the gold medal olympian threw to the plate....
MLB to look into umpire tweet referencing gun, Trump critics
HOUSTON — Commissioner Rob Manfred says Major League Baseball will look into a politicized tweet by umpire Rob Drake that referenced a rifle and criticism of President Donald Trump. Drake posted this message to Twitter on Tuesday: “I will be buying an AR-15 tomorrow, because if you impeach MY PRESIDENT...
First Call: Hockey coach threatens to burn ref’s car; Le’Veon Bell mad at NFL broadcastVideo
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” Le’Veon Bell is defending his struggling quarterback. Some rumblings about that Emmanuel Sanders trade. And a hockey coach may have gotten a little too mad at a referee. Strange sense of humor Remember when Bill Cowher stuffed a photograph in a referee’s pocket? Yeah. This is...
Tim Benz: Gerrit Cole finally derailed in Game 1 of World SeriesVideo
He’s not a machine. He’s a man! After winning 19 straight decisions (counting the playoffs) since May 22, that was becoming a debate when examining former Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole. But Tuesday night in Game 1 of the World Series, the Washington Nationals proved that if he bleeds… Washington beat...
Juan Soto, Nationals top Gerrit Cole, Astros in World Series openerVideo
HOUSTON — Juan Soto and the Washington Nationals quickly derailed the Cole Express. A 20-year-old prodigy with a passion for the big moment, Soto homered onto the train tracks high above the left field wall and hit a two-run double as the Nationals tagged Gerrit Cole and the Houston Astros...
Juan Soto, Nationals top Gerrit Cole, Astros in World Series opener
HOUSTON — Juan Soto and the Washington Nationals quickly derailed the Cole Express. A 20-year-old prodigy with a passion for the big moment, Soto homered onto the train tracks high above the left field wall and hit a two-run double as the Nationals tagged Gerrit Cole and the Houston Astros,...
Ascending Astros soar from baseball’s bottom to topVideo
HOUSTON — After losing 100 games in three straight seasons, the Houston Astros are in position to become the first team to win 100 in four consecutive years. A core of Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman and George Springer has been supplemented with stud starting pitchers Justin Verlander, Gerrit...
Report: Astros exec Brandon Taubman yelled at female reporters after clinching World Series berth
On the eve of Game 1 of the World Series, the Houston Astros were dealing with a situation off the field. A Sports Illustrated report paints an unflattering picture of Astros assistant general manager Brandon Taubman. During a celebration in the Astros locker room following a 6-4 ALCS clinching win...
‘Old guys’ play key roles in getting Nationals to World Series
WASHINGTON — NL MVP candidate Anthony Rendon surveyed his teammates scattered around the Nationals Park diamond, whooping it up after clinching a World Series berth. There were starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Anibal Sanchez, each 35 — and each responsible for taking a no-hit bid into at least the seventh...
MLB umpire Eric Cooper dies at 52; worked playoffs 2 weeks ago
Eric Cooper, the Major League Baseball umpire who worked the AL Division Series two weeks ago, has died. He was 52. Commissioner Rob Manfred announced Cooper’s death Sunday. Cooper died after having a blood clot. He had knee surgery earlier in the week and was recuperating at his father’s home...
