Astros ‘a group of heartbroken men’ after loss in World SeriesVideo
HOUSTON — It was well within their grasp. The Houston Astros had a shot at a mini dynasty with a second title in three seasons. Instead, they failed to get one win in two chances at home against the Washington Nationals and have an offseason as runner-ups to ponder what...
Nationals, GM Mike Rizzo earn ‘I told you so’ World Series titleVideo
WASHINGTON — In some ways, this World Series championship served as an “I told you so” for the Washington Nationals and their general manager, Mike Rizzo. For the choices to hire, then stick by, manager Dave Martinez, especially in the face of a 19-31 record, the worst 50-game start to...
Rebuilding Royals hire Mike Matheny as managerVideo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals hired Mike Matheny on Thursday, bringing in a manager who took the cross-state Cardinals to the World Series six years ago before a three-season swoon cost him his job. The 49-year-old Matheny went 591-474 with the Cardinals from 2012-18 and was the...
First Call: Oilers’ James Neal is hot, Colts hurting, plenty of Bryce Harper mockery
Thursday’s “First Call” features another goal for James Neal, news from Indianapolis’ training room, Baker Mayfield avoids a fine, and Bryce Harper mockery. New Look Neal James Neal is heating up again. And just in time for his return to Pittsburgh. The high-scoring winger will join the rest of his...
Nationals top Astros in Game 7 to win 1st World Series titleVideo
HOUSTON — Almost out of contention in May, champs in October. Howie Kendrick, Anthony Rendon and the Washington Nationals completed their amazing comeback journey — fittingly with one last late rally on the road. In Game 7 of the World Series, no less. Kendrick and Rendon homered in the seventh...
Road warrior Nationals beat Astros in Game 7 for 1st World Series titleVideo
HOUSTON — Almost out of contention in May. Champs in October. Howie Kendrick, Anthony Rendon and the Washington Nationals completed their amazing comeback journey — fittingly with one final, late rally on the road. In Game 7 of the World Series, no less. Kendrick and Rendon homered in the seventh...
Astros manager AJ Hinch: Players should have fun, but respect gameVideo
HOUSTON — Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch is all for letting the young kids play — and play loud. He also wants them to respect the game. Alex Bregman, the Astros third baseman who is one of the young stars MLB has highlighted in its ad campaigns trying to reach...
First Call: Hilarious first pitch, Bengals’ Andy Dalton benched, Arena Football League may foldVideo
In Wednesday’s “First Call” we look at some strange home run celebrations. The Arena Football League may be in trouble. And one of the worst first pitches you’ll ever see. "Ohh"lajuwon Justin Verlander had a few bad pitches in Houston Tuesday night, as the Astros lost Game 6 of the...
Rendon, Strasburg power Nationals past Astros, force Game 7
The World Series will go to a seventh game. Adam Eaton and Juan Soto hit solo homers in the fifth inning off laboring Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander to put the Washington Nationals ahead. Anthony Rendon later added a two-run homer and a two-run double, and the Nationals won 7-2,...
Nielsen: World Series is a snooze for most TV viewers
NEW YORK — Fans in Washington and Houston may be excited, but the rest of the country is reacting to the World Series with a collective yawn. Through the first five games, the World Series has been averaging 11.6 million viewers, the Nielsen company said. That puts it on pace...
Verlander will try to end his World Series woes, bring Astros 2nd title
WASHINGTON — George Springer shook his head at the mere mention of Houston Astros teammate Justin Verlander’s past October trouble, the only pitcher in baseball history to go 0-5 in the World Series. “We wouldn’t be here without him,” Springer declared. “I don’t care what individual stats say.” Then, as...
D.C. police: West Virginia man sold $2,000 in fake World Series tickets
WASHINGTON — Police in Washington have arrested a West Virginia man accused of selling $2,000 in fake World Series tickets. Metropolitan D.C. police said Sunday they charged 54-year-old Ondre Nelson of Huntington, W.Va., with first-degree fraud. The Washington Post reports Nelson sold five counterfeit tickets for $400 each to a...
First Call: Ike Taylor listened to music during games? Antonio Brown a screenwriter?Video
In Monday’s “First Call,” Ike Taylor’s head-scratching revelation about listening to music during games. Antonio Brown wants to be a movie screenwriter when he grows up. And a preview of the Pittsburgh Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers game Tuesday. This is what they teach you at "Swaggin` U?" Former Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor...
Gerrit Cole dominates Nationals as Astros take 3-2 World Series leadVideo
WASHINGTON — Gerrit Cole and the Houston Astros went to Washington, hoping to snap out of their funk and bring the World Series back to Minute Maid Park. Not only are they heading home with more games to play, now they’re just one win from another crown. Handed the ball...
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...
