Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

WITH: BBO--NLDS-DODGERS-BRAVES

DESCRIPTION: Tyler Mahle is expected to start for the Braves against Tyler Glasnow and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NL Division Series on Wednesday night. By Charles Odum. 500 words, photos. Game scheduled for 6 p.m. start.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

WITH: BBO--ALDS-GUARDIANS-WHITE SOX

DESCRIPTION: Miguel Vargas and the Chicago White Sox go for a sweep when they face Chase DeLauter and the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of their AL Division Series. The White Sox haven’t clinched a postseason series at home since 1906.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT

BBO--ALDS-RAYS-MARTINEZ

DESCRIPTION: Once ejected from Yankee Stadium as a college student, Nick Martinez returns trying to pitch the Tampa Bay Rays into the AL Championship Series. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 890 words, photos, by 6 a.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-FLAWED FLORIDA

DESCRIPTION: GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- No. 16 Florida and coach Jon Sumrall are trying to move on after a humbling loss at Missouri.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: There’s a race to the bottom of the NFL standings with two surprising teams winless four games into the season. There are a record-tying five teams that are 0-4 one month into the NFL season, marking just the seventh time that has happened in NFL history and first since 2019. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 1000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BKL--VALKYRIES-FAN’S COURAGE

2. DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO -- Sparkling and sequined in Valkyries violet colors from head to toe, even down to her cane and prosthetic left leg, Cynthia Cheak reaches into a cross-body bag and pulls out a handful of Golden State playoff-themed bracelets she ordered herself to share all around the arena. Then she begins her nightly ritual of walking through Chase Center giving them away to anyone and everyone. The second-year WNBA franchise has given Cheak new life. She was struggling both emotionally and physically after losing her left leg a couple of years before Golden State began playing last year. Now, the Valkyries are in the WNBA semifinals against the defending champion Aces and Cheak is a beloved regular in the “Ballhalla” home crowd. By Janie McCauley. 900 words, photos by 3 a.m. PDT.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKL--LIBERTY-DREAM

5. DESCRIPTION: ATLANTA -- The No. 8 seed New York Liberty will try to recover after losing the opening game of the WNBA semifinals series when they play the No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream in the second game on Wednesday night. By Alan Cole. 450 words.

6. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BKL--ACES-VALKYRIES

8. DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO -- The Golden State Valkyries host the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of their best-of-five WNBA semifinal series. Golden State leads 1-0. By Janie McCauley. Game starts 6:30 p.m. PDT.

9. UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT

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FBC--T25-WHAT TO WATCH

DESCRIPTION: It will be a top-10 matchup between teams in The Associated Press Top 25 when No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama face off Saturday night. So what’s new? By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 1,000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE-WHAT WE LEARNED

DESCRIPTION: Takeaways from the Nations League at the end of an extended international window dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo, new coaches Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp, and the Man City financial scandal. By Steve Douglas and Graham Dunbar. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-FAISON

DESCRIPTION: Notre Dame receiver Jordan Faison made the hard decision before the season started. He stopped playing lacrosse to focus on football. It looks more and more like he made the right decision for himself -- and for the third-ranked and still unbeaten Fighting Irish. 600 words, with photos by 1 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--MAMMOTH-EASTERN INFLUENCE

DESCRIPTION: As they look to transform from a team contending for a playoff spot to one of the best in the West, the Utah Mammoth added gritty forwards Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee, who have spent a lot of time in the Eastern Conference. Beyond experience, they bring a different brand of hockey than the young, speedy core has succeeded with. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS

DESCRIPTION: AP College Football Writer Eric Olson makes his picks for Week 6. By Eric Olson. 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--BIG TEN TILT

DESCRIPTION: Big Ten women’s basketball has a decidedly West Coast tilt of late. Since joining the Big Ten, USC and UCLA have each won the regular-season title once and UCLA has won the tournament twice. The Bruins are coming off a national title and USC figures to be elite again with Juju Watkins back. Iowa and Michigan among others could have a chance to restore the traditional power structure. By Luke DeCock. Text, photos by 4 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-ADVERSITY

DESCRIPTION: The Las Vegas Raiders faced plenty of adversity last year in going 3-14, but they opened this season by winning their first three games before a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. How will they respond?

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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TEN--SHANGHAI MASTERS

DESCRIPTION: Shanghai Masters tennis action

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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TEN--CHINA OPEN

DESCRIPTION: China Open tennis

UPCOMING: By 10/07/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--NLDS-BREWERS-PADRES

Padres avoid elimination, beat Brewers 4-3 in NLDS Game 3 with Cronenworth’s HR, King’s relief

SUMMARY: The San Diego Padres avoided playoff elimination with a 4-3 victory over the Brewers in Game 3 of their NL Division Series. Jake Cronenworth hit a tiebreaking homer, and Game 2 starter Michael King pitched the final two innings on one day of rest. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado drove in runs for the Padres, who trimmed Milwaukee’s series lead to 2-1 with a tense, back-and-forth victory over the MLB-best Brewers. San Diego’s bullpen didn’t have star closer Mason Miller, who went on the paternity list about 45 minutes before the first pitch, so King stepped up and coolly shut down the Brewers to seal it.

WORDS: 724 - MOVED: 10/07/2026 1:36 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a02f4322ac3238d8c8fbf202269e3c99&mediaType=text

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HKN--MAPLE LEAFS-MCKENNA

Top draft pick Gavin McKenna picks up first NHL goal, assist for Toronto against Predators

SUMMARY: No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna scored his first NHL goal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. McKenna scored on Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros in the second period of his fourth professional game. The 18-year-old took a pass from Auston Matthews, beat Saros with a high shot and then dropped to one knee in celebration at Scotiabank Arena. McKenna also had an assist on Toronto’s first goal by William Nylander for his first NHL point.

WORDS: 375 - MOVED: 10/07/2026 12:35 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5d5e2fdcba64e203c803e0a35ff914fb&mediaType=text

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SOC--ARGENTINA-MESSI FAREWELL

Messi caps Argentina farewell with a penalty and 2 assists in a 3-0 win over Benin

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi turns his official farewell to Argentina into a gala performance, scoring a penalty and providing two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin in an international friendly. The match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires marks the end of his 21-year international career. In front of 85,000 fans, the 39-year-old Messi orchestrates the victory with a corner kick leading to the first goal and an assist for the second. He then scores from the penalty spot, adding to his record as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer. Despite still playing at a high level, Messi announced in August his plans to end his international career with Argentina.

WORDS: 940 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 11:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a732d7dbc2c2095cc74e09097ac1878f&mediaType=text

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LT -- ARGENTINA-MESSI’S LAST TANGO

Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era

SUMMARY: Argentina has said an emotional goodbye to soccer great Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old played his final national team match Tuesday, scoring once and setting up two more goals in a win over Benin. Fans packed a Buenos Aires stadium, chanting his name and bowing toward him. His departure ends a 21-year international career that brought Argentina a World Cup title and two South American championships. Once accused of indifference to his country, Messi leaves as a national hero whose triumphs offered Argentines relief from years of political and economic turmoil. He will continue playing for Inter Miami.

WORDS: 1269 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 11:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d399457f18032c45a996ef953565d535&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-DODGERS-OHTANI

Roberts moves struggling Ohtani to No. 5 spot in Dodgers’ lineup in NLDS Game 3 against Braves

SUMMARY: Manager Dave Roberts has juggled the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for Game 3 of their NL Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, moving designated hitter Shohei Ohtani to the No. 5 spot. Roberts says the move is a one-game adjustment to give the Dodgers a different look against Braves left-hander Chris Sale. When Sale shut out the Dodgers 1-0 on Aug. 26, the left-handed-hitting Ohtani was 0 for 4 with two strikeouts. For his career, Ohtani is 3 for 15 against Sale. The No. 5 spot is the lowest Ohtani has hit since 2020 with the Angels. Roberts says Ohtani understands the move.

WORDS: 743 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 11:11 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac4bd98db0a97ab375568f1a2d78fa1b&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-DODGERS-BRAVES

Yamamoto is dominant again as Dodgers ride homers from Hernández and Freeman to 3-1 win over Braves

SUMMARY: Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out 10 in seven brilliant innings, Kiké Hernández hit a two-run homer and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1 to take a 2-1 lead in their NL Division Series. Yamamoto dominated the much-anticipated matchup with Atlanta ace Chris Sale, who allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings. Yamamoto, the MVP of the 2025 World Series, permitted only four hits with one walk while improving to 8-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 11 postseason outings, including 10 starts. Freddie Freeman also homered against his former team for the Dodgers, who can win the best-of-five series Wednesday night in Atlanta.

WORDS: 830 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 10:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f63c43530cfc18c9916e6cc25633c64c&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-DODGERS-HERNÁNDEZ

Kiké Hernández continues clutch postseason hitting for Dodgers with a 2-run homer off Chris Sale

SUMMARY: Kiké Hernández is no stranger to postseason success. The veteran Dodgers utility man took advantage of his first start in these playoffs and delivered the key blow in Los Angeles’ 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of their NL Division Series. Hernández, playing third base and batting ninth, hit a two-run homer off Braves ace Chris Sale in the fourth inning that opened the scoring and gave the Dodgers a lead they never relinquished. Los Angeles leads the best-of-five series 2-1 and has a chance to advance to the National League Championship Series on Wednesday. Hernández has 17 postseason homers in his career, making him a standout performer when it counts most.

WORDS: 732 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 10:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:95d8a3e09a43668a686c9cfcc99987c5&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLDS-PADRES-MILLER-PATERNITY

Star closer Mason Miller goes on paternity list before Padres face Brewers in Game 3 of NLDS

SUMMARY: Padres closer Mason Miller has been placed on the postseason paternity list with San Diego facing elimination in the NL Division Series. The intimidating All-Star reliever will miss at least one game. The Padres made the announcement about 45 minutes before the first pitch. Wandy Peralta replaced Miller on the 26-man playoff roster. Miller was one of the best closers in the majors this season, but he blew the save in the ninth inning of the Padres’ 4-3 loss to the Brewers in Milwaukee last weekend, putting San Diego in an 0-2 hole in the best-of-five series.

WORDS: 278 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 9:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:71223e5d38ea74ca06fd591b02c5de4e&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALDS-GUARDIANS-WHITE SOX

White Sox looking to eliminate Guardians at home in AL Division Series

SUMMARY: The Chicago White Sox last clinched a postseason series at home when they defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the 1906 World Series. That’s how long it’s been. And the Cleveland Guardians have absolutely no interest in being on the other side of the field for the end of that streak. Chicago leads Cleveland 2-0 in their best-of-five AL Division Series going into Game 3 at Rate Field. The White Sox are hoping to advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2005, while the Guardians are looking to take one step toward a remarkable comeback. It’s the first home playoff date for Chicago in five years.

WORDS: 682 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 7:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5759ed50a3b743eb0f441799984c2e40&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALDS-RAYS-YANKEES

Down 2-0 to Rays in ALDS, Yankees face prospect of 17th season without World Series title

SUMMARY: The New York Yankees face a tough challenge in the AL Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. After making four errors in Game 2, the Yankees are down 2-0 in the best-of-five series. Manager Aaron Boone expects his team to bounce back, but one more loss would extend their World Series title drought to 17 years. Tampa Bay is close to reaching the American League Championship Series, with pitcher Nick Martinez set to face Yankees left-hander Max Fried. The Yankees’ offense has struggled, especially without injured Aaron Judge. Fried’s girlfriend is due to give birth soon.

WORDS: 890 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 7:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e9172f2097ccb079c5b02ca4267facdc&mediaType=text

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SOC--NATIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Merino comes up clutch again for Spain as Kane marks record-setting match with 2 goals for England

SUMMARY: Spain has preserved its 2½-year unbeaten streak by rallying to beat Croatia thanks to a clutch second-half double from supersub Mikel Merino. Harry Kane scored two more goals on another record-setting match for the England captain. The marathon batch of Nations League matches ended with Merino powering home an 88th-minute strike to complete the world champions’ stirring recovery in a 2-1 win in Split. The Arsenal midfielder has been a star off the bench so many times for Spain in recent years. Ivan Perišić’s opener marked the first time the Spanish had trailed since June 2024. Kane’s double in England’s 3-0 win over Czechia came on his record-tying 125th appearance for his country.

WORDS: 864 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 6:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2367156909c95b00a0b8d909bce9b763&mediaType=text

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FBC--T25-MISSOURI-JONES

Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie ‘DJ’ Jones is hospitalized, needs a heart transplant

SUMMARY: Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones needs a heart transplant and is hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed the news about Jones during an emotional news conference on Tuesday. He says Missouri staff initially detected an issue with Jones’ heart over the summer during freshman intake testing. Jones later got a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic, where doctors detected a much more serious heart problem. Drinkwitz is urging Mizzou fans to pray for Jones, saying the team wasn’t prepared for that kind of news.

WORDS: 284 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 6:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:38ddf4f2dc5ad3ac8c936a1e7e2c8a0c&mediaType=text

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BKL--LYNX-COLLIER

Napheesa Collier faces a big decision about returning to the Lynx as WNBA free agency awaits

SUMMARY: Napheesa Collier had a particularly late start to her eighth season with the Minnesota Lynx following surgery on both ankles that delayed her 2026 debut until just before the All-Star break. The smooth-shooting and defensively tough forward the team has tried to build a title contender around is uncertain to return to the Lynx after an abruptly disappointing finish in the WNBA playoffs. The 30-year-old Collier will be one of the most prominent players in the league to enter free agency in 2027. The five-time All-Star was limited to 16 regular-season games after coming back from her injuries.

WORDS: 532 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 6:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:356ccdaea09545fcd15d47d4990d88af&mediaType=text

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FBN--EAGLES-JOHNSON RETIRES

Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson retires after 14 seasons

SUMMARY: Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson has announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons. Johnson had been a late scratch for last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons. He said Tuesday despite wanting to finish the season, his “personal and family priorities in my life have changed.” Johnson missed four days of training camp for personal reasons before saying that this season would probably be his last. The 36-year-old Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2022. He earned second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024.

WORDS: 389 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 6:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4447d2a7dc01e0bd78b46001ec95cc06&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLAND-KANE

Harry Kane scores twice on record-tying 125th appearance for England

SUMMARY: Harry Kane has made a record-tying 125th appearance for England in the Nations League match against Czechia at Wembley Stadium and marked the big occasion with another two goals. The Bayern Munich striker is level with former goalkeeper Peter Shilton on the list of most caps won for England’s men’s team. He can break the record when England plays Croatia on Nov. 12, also at Wembley. The 33-year-old Kane moved onto 91 international goals by sweeping home a close-range finish in the 40th minute and heading home at a corner in the 57th.

WORDS: 282 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 5:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ec080c893d78ac0a32f60f1d4841972&mediaType=text

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GLF--RYDER CUP

Jim Furyk says it will be ‘great’ if Patrick Reed is part of his Ryder Cup team again

SUMMARY: The last time Jim Furyk was U.S. Ryder Cup captain, Europe won big in France and Patrick Reed blamed the loss on Furyk and Jordan Spieth. It was an ugly ending. Now Furyk is captain again for the 2027 matches in Ireland. He says he wants the best 12 Americans and it would be “great” if Reed is one of them. Reed is leading the points list in Europe and assured of having a PGA Tour card next year for the first time since he bolted for LIV Golf. Furyk is more concerned with turning around the U.S. performance in foursomes.

WORDS: 797 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 3:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:135a31ba171321c986e05292d02fb930&mediaType=text

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HKN--PANTHERS-BARKOV

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov will not need surgery, out 6-8 weeks, Panthers say

SUMMARY: Florida center Aleksander Barkov is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a left leg injury and will not require surgery, Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday. Barkov was hurt in the Panthers’ overtime loss at San Jose on Thursday. It appeared his left knee — not the knee that needed to be surgically rebuilt last year — buckled on the play, and the Finnish captain immediately left the ice in obvious discomfort. The timetable would suggest that Barkov will probably be out somewhere between 20 and 25 games before he could return.

WORDS: 448 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4865f0b6143694d0d4ced70f7cb14d52&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALDS-WHITE SOX-GUARDIANS

White Sox surge past Guardians 4-3 to take 2-0 lead in ALDS and move within 1 win of ALCS

SUMMARY: The Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 to take a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series. Braden Montgomery hit a two-run double and Sean Burke allowed just one hit in 5 1/3 innings of relief. The surprising White Sox improved to 4-0 in these playoffs — all on the road — and are one win from advancing to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2005. Jo Adell had an RBI triple for the Guardians, but their offense struggled again. Grant Taylor secured his second save of the series, permitting one hit in 1 1/3 innings. The best-of-five series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 on Wednesday.

WORDS: 878 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 2:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:43bb3cd3649459eb9138c65a8bf859aa&mediaType=text

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FBN--TEXANS-MONTGOMERY-SCOUTING AMERICA

Montgomery’s scouting pride: Texans back hopes his story will inspire more kids like him to join

SUMMARY: David Montgomery was a bit embarrassed when his mother first put him in Cub Scouts because he didn’t think it was for people like him. But the Houston Texans running back soon fell in love with scouting and it changed his life. He remained active throughout school and in 2014 rose to the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting America. Now 29, he’s grateful for his time as a scout and is working with the organization to encourage more kids — especially Black children — to follow his path.

WORDS: 1216 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 2:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1fa86134ba97cc87135983b5e498e1f0&mediaType=text

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SOC—FIFA-INFANTINO’S SUPPORT

Infantino’s World Cup investment plan fallout reshapes the March FIFA vote

WORDS: 911 - MOVED: 10/06/2026 1:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3a9770c80e2c17adeeeae1a682f05755&mediaType=text

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