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UPCOMING

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BKL--SUN-FINALE

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: BKL--SUN-FINALE

2. DESCRIPTION: UNCASVILLE, Conn. __ The sun is setting on the Connecticut WNBA franchise as the team will play its final game in the state before it moves to Houston next year. It’s been an incredible run for the first independently owned team in the WNBA that moved from Orlando to Connecticut in 2003. There were three trips to the WNBA Finals, a record four All-Star Games and Connecticut was the first team to turn a profit in the league’s history.

3. UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

4. WITH: BKL-SUN-MOHEGAN TRIBE

5. DESCRIPTION: The Mohegan Tribe became the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team when it bought a WNBA franchise in 2003. Now, the tribe is saying goodbye to the Connecticut Sun, which connected generations of tribal members and gave Mohegan people a platform to share their language, culture and values.

6. UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN-NFL RIO-MARACANA STADIUM

DESCRIPTION: The 78,000-seat Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is one of soccer’s most important venues, having hosted two World Cup championship games, Olympic gold medal matches for men and women, and numerous clashes between South America’s biggest teams. Now the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys will play the NFL’s first game in Rio there on Sunday.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text

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BBO—YANKEES-SLUGGING RICE

DESCRIPTION: Ben Rice has hit his 40th and 41st home runs this season, surpassing New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s spring training. Rice tied for the American League home run lead in a 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Boone had predicted Rice would hit 39. By AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

FBC--ACC THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: No. 16 Louisville’s home game against Wake Forest headlines the weekly schedule in the Atlantic Coast Conference. By Aaron Beard. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--BIG 12 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: Kansas State and Cincinnati go into their Big 12-opening matchup both 3-0. The last time K-State was 4-0 was as the 2012 Big 12 champion with quarterback Collin Klein, now their first-year head coach. There are also four other Big 12 openers Saturday. No. 15 Utah is at Iowa State, Colorado at Baylor, TCU at UCF, and Oklahoma State at West Virginia. By Stephen Hawkins. 570 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 7:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--BIG TEN THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: No. 20 Oregon visits No. 12 Southern California in the biggest game of a huge weekend on the Big Ten schedule. By Steve Megargee. 600 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 8:04 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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FBC--SEC-THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: SEC Week 4: Texas-Tennessee headlines a loaded slate of conference matchups. By Maura Carey, 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 9:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--T25-TEXAS-TENNESSEE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: Arch Manning gets to add to the family legacy Saturday in both his and top-ranked Texas’ first visit to Tennessee and Neyland Stadium where his uncle Peyton made quite the legacy for himself. By Al Lesar.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--SEASON PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Carolina Hurricanes head into the season as the defending Stanley Cup champion but they will have a host of challengers led by Colorado, Florida, Dallas and more. All the teams will have an extra two gamesto get sorted out for the postseason courtesy of the NHL’s first expansion of the regular season in 30 years. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--WILD-KAPRIZOV

DESCRIPTION: Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov might have to alter his playing style this season after the departure of Mats Zuccarello, his closest friend on the team and longtime wingman on the first line. By Dave Campbell. 450 words, photo.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKN--PUCK DROP-ROOKIE WATCH

DESCRIPTION: Gavin McKenna will be firmly in the spotlight as the top pick in Toronto and is likely to be the favorite to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. San Jose’s No. 2 pick, Ivar Stenberg, Washington’s Cole Hutson and Philadelphia’s Porter Martone are also in the mix. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--CARDINALS-49ERS PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he might appreciate one day how many assistants that used to work under him have become head coaches in the NFL. That time sure isn’t this week as the 49ers (2-0) prepare to face his former assistant Mike LaFleur for the first time since LaFleur got hired as head coach of the division rival Arizona Cardinals (1-1) at home on Sunday. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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AS--ASIAN GAMES

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The 20th edition of the continental event brings together more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions. Competition will include 43 sports.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Video, Text, Photo

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

DESCRIPTION: The Presidents Cup begins with five matches of fourballs at Medinah Country Club. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 750 words, photos. With Presidents Cup-Capsules and Presidents Cup-Results.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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CAR--F1-AZERBAIJAN GP

DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

UPCOMING: By 09/24/2026 4:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKL--PLAYOFF PICTURE

The WNBA playoff picture sharpens as half the postseason positions are set

SUMMARY: The WNBA playoff picture is sharpening as the regular season enters its final day. The Lynx have clinched the top seed and will face eighth-seeded New York in the opening round that begins Sunday. The Atlanta Dream will be the four seed after beating New York on Wednesday night. Who they play is still up in the air as it will be either Indiana or Washington. Indiana plays at Minnesota and Washington hosts Chicago on Thursday. Dallas is locked into the seventh seed and will face either Golden State or Las Vegas. The Valkyries visit Los Angeles and the Aces play at Phoenix.

WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 11:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:baac15a2ee228bbce9c172db00844c13&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-JUDGE & STANTON

Judge hopes to be ready for playoffs and Stanton could return for Yankees after 5 1/2-month absence

SUMMARY: Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hopes to return for the playoffs after straining his right calf. Manager Aaron Boone isn’t counting on Judge for the AL Wild Card Series opener on Tuesday, likely against Boston. Judge, sidelined since Sept.16, received a platelet poor plasma injection Monday and feels better. Boone said Judge has a moderate strain and his return depends on healing. Giancarlo Stanton, out since April, is also working on a comeback. Boone said Stanton might be used as a pinch hitter.

WORDS: 941 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5e175f31e14d7484c654db57ed5e2075&mediaType=text

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BBO--TWIN UMPIRES

Twin brothers Austin and Tyler Jones ump big league games together for the first time

SUMMARY: Twin brothers Austin and Tyler Jones have umpired games together for the first time at the major league level. They worked both ends of a doubleheader between Toronto and Baltimore on Wednesday. Austin Jones was at first base and Tyler Jones handled second in the first game. Then they swapped spots. The two are on a list of Triple-A call-up umpires who fill in at the big league level for injuries, illnesses, vacations and other reasons of absence. Tyler Jones umpired the first game of the Blue Jays-Orioles series Monday. There are typically five umpires on a crew for a doubleheader instead of four, so Austin Jones was added when Tuesday’s scheduled game was rained out.

WORDS: 576 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 10:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69264b536913b4e7cf091a7f7d52de42&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI RETURNS

Shohei Ohtani returns to the Dodgers after injury and gets a hit in his first at-bat

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani returns to the Dodgers’ lineup after missing two weeks with right biceps discomfort. He’s batting second as the designated hitter against the Padres. Manager Dave Roberts says it’s good to have him back, though he’s not expecting too much initially. Mookie Betts continues to lead off, excelling with a .366 average and six home runs in September. Ohtani last played on Sept. 7 and is hitting .277 with 30 homers this season. Josue De Paula, who impressed as the DH during Ohtani’s absence, was sent to Triple-A but could return for the postseason.

WORDS: 642 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 10:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e0ca4beffa79e80d8fc244c936f3070f&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-RED SOX-SERIES CHANGE

Red Sox move Sunday’s game and will play doubleheader against Cubs on Friday with storm expected

SUMMARY: The Red Sox are adjusting the schedule of their weekend series against the Chicago Cubs because of a significant storm that’s expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Boston area. The team said Wednesday it was moving the Sunday afternoon game to Friday to create a split doubleheader. The first game is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. EST. The originally scheduled 7:05 p.m. EST night game was moved up to 6:05. The Red Sox said in a press release that the change was made in consultation with Major League Baseball.

WORDS: 151 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 8:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4737d61cbd762e1cf7ec1514f18d8f20&mediaType=text

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US-ICE ARREST-BASKETBALL PLAYER

ICE detained Kentucky State basketball player from Senegal as she prepared to travel to tournament

SUMMARY: A Kentucky State University women’s basketball player was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement when she arrived at the airport in Louisville to fly to New York for a tournament. Her attorney says 26-year-old Aminata Seck is from Senegal and is in the United States on a student visa. Sadiqa Reynolds wrote that Seck was detained on Aug. 7 at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport. The Louisville Courier Journal, which first reported Seck’s arrest, wrote that Reynolds said Seck may have missed a student visa deadline because she was having back surgery, and that she also has an ACL injury.

WORDS: 465 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 7:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:48389a329b1a86430ac2fbb2d5c71d1e&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-WALTRIP

NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip steps back from public life for serious health concerns

SUMMARY: Darrell Waltrip, a Hall of Fame NASCAR driver and longtime Fox Sports broadcaster, has stepped away from public life due to a progressive brain disease. Waltrip and his family announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration, possibly complicated by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. These conditions are likely from injuries during his racing career. The 79-year-old Waltrip won 84 races and three Cup Series championships before moving to broadcasting. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2012. Despite the diagnosis, his family says he is happy and spending time with loved ones.

WORDS: 324 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 6:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbc69649b5ae2db0d264604e07c7d041&mediaType=text

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP

Jackson Koivun goes from NCAA title to Presidents Cup debut in 112 days

SUMMARY: Jackson Koivun is going places in a hurry. Four years ago he was part of the Junior Presidents Cup team. Just over three months ago he led Auburn to an NCAA golf title. And now he’s on the Presidents Cup and part of the opening lineup as the Americans set out to try to win for the 11th straight time. Koivun told partner Justin Thomas he’ll be good to go after the opening tee shot. The five fourballs matches are on tap for Thursday at Medinah. The U.S. has won the opening session eight of the last nine times.

WORDS: 866 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 6:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:876e6bc7b272dd524c101adcc481a36a&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Title holder Barcelona scores 5, OL Lyonnes hits 8 in wins to open Women’s Champions League

SUMMARY: Title holder Barcelona has won 5-2 and record eight-time champion OL Lyonnes prevailed 8-0 in their Women’s Champions League openers. Two storied teams who have won 10 of the 11 last titles still set the bar high in European women’s soccer. Barcelona trailed within five minutes hosting Paris FC but scored four before halftime started by new Brazilian signing Kerolin. Record eight-time winner Lyon eased past overmatched Servette. In Belgium, Roma substitute Marta Pandini missed a penalty deep into stoppage time of a 0-0 draw at OH Leuven. Chelsea won 1-0 over debutant Austria Vienna.

WORDS: 490 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 5:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:448c927f2ea4fe3aa35382f83cc43c1c&mediaType=text

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US--ANTONIO BROWN-SHOOTING

Lawyer: Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown to avoid prison with reduced charge in attempted murder case

SUMMARY: An attorney for former NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown says he plans to accept a plea deal for a reduced charge in an attempted murder case in Miami that avoids prison. Brown is scheduled to appear in court next Wednesday to make the deal final. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the current attempted murder charge. Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer after a celebrity boxing match in Miami in May 2025 and firing two shots at a man he had gotten into a fistfight with earlier, according to an arrest warrant. Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu told investigators that one of the bullets grazed his neck.

WORDS: 687 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 5:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0a6cb26675bb5f81c59395101753b6d6&mediaType=text

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

A stunning early QB injury wave leaves up to 6 teams already turning to backups

WORDS: 1347 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 5:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1c06e75af571fe8c728f37804d7bc3e4&mediaType=text

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SOC--PORTUGAL-RONALDO

Cristiano Ronaldo says he can still score for Portugal though knows critics want him out of team

SUMMARY: Cristiano Ronaldo weighed ending his Portugal career after the World Cup and acknowledges some critics at home want him out of the team. The 41-year-old Ronaldo was confirmed by coach Jorge Jesus as a starter for this 234th Portugal game. It will be on Thursday against Wales. Ronaldo says “Yes, I did. Of course” when asked if he thought of stopping his international career in July. He says his role is still “to score the goals and to help the team win games.” Ronaldo adds some TV channels want him out of the team but children still see him as a role model.

WORDS: 331 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 4:55 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d54b094dd74a35a2130032900aa5c4db&mediaType=text

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BBO--BRAVES-ACUÑA

Braves’ star Acuña day-to-day after fouling ball off left leg

SUMMARY: Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. left Atlanta’s game against Cincinnati in the third inning after fouling a ball off his left leg. X-rays and a CT scan were negative and Acuña was listed as day-to-day with a contusion. The slugger was able to walk off the field after hobbling away from the battling circle and dropping to his knees in clear pain. The injury comes with the playoffs just a week away for NL East-winning Atlanta. Acuña has been one of the team’s hottest hitters down the stretch, giving him 20 homers and 20 stolen bases for the season.

WORDS: 471 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 3:53 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f6ff1646b550a2143772ec610c499bd3&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLAND-KANE-NFL

England soccer great Harry Kane muses on future double duty playing in both NFL and MLS

SUMMARY: England soccer great Harry Kane’s long-held hope of being a kicker in the NFL took clearer shape Wednesday. He floated the idea of combining the goal with also joining a Major League Soccer club. The 33-year-old Kane is currently happy at Bayern Munich. His standout 73-goal season has him in contention to win the Ballon d’Or next month. Still, the England captain looked toward a U.S. future ahead of his team hosting World Cup winner Spain on Saturday. Kane says if he joins the MLS then the NFL “might be a thing where you could connect the two maybe with the seasons.”

WORDS: 319 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 3:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a30faf4f84da3f392f7fcb0485938882&mediaType=text

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BBO--MLB-POSTSEASON-GUIDE

Wednesday’s MLB clinching scenarios: Guardians, White Sox on verge of making postseason

SUMMARY: Major League Baseball’s postseason is rapidly approaching, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a third straight World Series title. It remains to be seen how much some of the game’s biggest stars will be able to participate in the playoffs, though. The Dodgers are once again among the best teams in the big leagues, and they’ll have several challengers in October, including the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. All three teams could finish the regular season with 100 wins or more. Los Angeles is rolling even though four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani’s health is a concern.

WORDS: 923 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 3:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:caf4f50997be16bf6cf962726b6d9016&mediaType=text

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AS--ASIAN GAMES-AFGHAN CYCLIST

Afghan female cyclist wins silver at Asian Games after disguising herself as a man to train

SUMMARY: The easy part for Fariba Hashimi was winning a silver medal in the women’s cycling road race at the Asian Games. The nearly impossible part for the female cyclist from Afghanistan was trying to train in her country. To do that, she dressed as a man in a place where women have few rights. She said she also hid her face when she could so as not to be recognized. She left Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban returned and has since trained abroad. She says: “I want to show the Afghanistan women in the world that ... we can have an opportunity.”

WORDS: 323 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 3:09 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0b4b00ae30167e22fded398ba57f2be3&mediaType=text

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GLF--PRESIDENTS CUP-SCOTT

Adam Scott is playing in his 12th straight Presidents Cup and desperate to be on a winning team

SUMMARY: Adam Scott was a 23-year-old making his Presidents Cup debut in the 2003 matches that ended in a tie. That’s as close as the Australian has ever been to being part of a winning team. Scott ties a Presidents Cup record this week at Medinah by appearing for the 12th time. But he still hasn’t won in this most lopsided affair. Scott says he recognizes this might be his last chance at age 46. He says he’s more motivated than ever. International captain Geoff Ogilvy says Scott has so much experience that he’s been like a playing captain for the team.

WORDS: 819 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 2:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a055b28126b976ca7232aba25c6efe8&mediaType=text

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FBC--NC STATE-BAILEY

NC State QB CJ Bailey takes a positive approach in moving forward after costly Vanderbilt fumble

SUMMARY: N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey says he’s “waking up on the right side of the bed every morning, feeling good” while moving past a last-second fumble in a loss to Vanderbilt. Bailey’s fumble was recovered in the end zone to give the Commodores a shocking win as the Wolfpack appeared on the verge of closing the game out. Bailey said Wednesday he was holding the ball trying to burn the clock. The third-year starter says the team has showed him support to help him move forward for Saturday’s visit from Appalachian State.

WORDS: 544 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 2:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:17882666833826e8f3af712f0e981f7a&mediaType=text

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BBO--WORST PLAYOFF TEAMS

Inspired by this year’s lowly AL West, here are the weakest teams to make MLB’s postseason

SUMMARY: With just a few days left in the regular season, the AL West might make a particularly mediocre kind of history. After Tuesday night’s games, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros were tied for first place at 78-79. No full-season division champion has ever had a losing record. The 2005 Padres won the NL West at 82-80, and the 1973 Mets won the NL East at 82-79. Plus, the 1987 Twins had a minus-20 run differential and won the World Series. So don’t count out the Rangers or Astros just yet.

WORDS: 1532 - MOVED: 09/23/2026 1:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ab49d3e35c71db5bf901f60d3da16d3d&mediaType=text

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