Yankees make 4 errors in sloppy playoff loss to Rays that leaves them on brink of elimination
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Sloppy defense has put the New York Yankees on the brink of postseason elimination. Four errors and another defensive miscue led to three unearned runs that a lineup missing three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge couldn’t overcome in a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of their AL Division Series. The Yankees are one defeat from falling short of a 28th World Series title for the 17th straight season. Even with likely AL Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler on the mound, the Yankees couldn’t even the best-of-five series against the pesky Rays.
Small-ball Rays beat the sloppy Yankees 5-2 for a 2-0 lead in AL Division Series
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Richie Palacios hit a two-run single in a four-run fifth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays took advantage of New York’s sloppy defense, beating Cam Schlittler and the Yankees 5-2 to take a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series. The Rays are one victory from reaching the American League Championship Series. Game 3 in the best-of-five playoff is Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. Ben Rice hit a pair of homers for the Yankees, who are on the verge of elimination — which would extend their drought without a World Series championship to 17 seasons. The small-ball Rays chased Schlittler, the likely AL Cy Young Award winner, in the fifth aided by New York’s defensive miscues.
Bijan Robinson powers Falcons past Saints 45-24 on the 20th anniversary of the Superdome's reopening
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bijan Robinson has led the Atlanta Falcons to a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints. Robinson rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons won 45-24 on Monday night. Brian Robinson ran for three short touchdowns for the Falcons, who never trailed and controlled the line of scrimmage while outgaining the Saints on the ground, 207 yards to 50. Atlanta continued rolling behind quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has won both of his starts since returning from a knee injury. The Saints commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Superdome's reopening after Hurricane Katrina.
White Sox surge past Guardians 4-3 to take 2-0 lead in ALDS and move within 1 win of ALCS
CLEVELAND (AP) — 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.
NFL suspends an official 2 games for swearing at Arizona tight end Trey McBride
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has suspended a line judge two games for swearing at Arizona tight end Trey McBride. Jeff Seeman was caught on camera cursing at McBride during the Cardinals’ loss at the New York Giants on Sunday. The incident drew the ire of union leader JC Tretter, a retired offensive lineman who played eight seasons. Referee Adrian Hill was also suspended one game for inappropriate behavior in the Miami-Minnesota game. Hill yelled at Eric Wilson and pointed for him to get away after the Vikings linebacker tried to help him to his feet after a collision knocked him over.
Ace Chris Sale is fully rested for Game 3 against Dodgers, giving Braves their 'best-case scenario'
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale will be fully rested when he is expected to start in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Braves manager Walt Weiss had six relievers combine to give up six hits in Sunday's 3-2 win that tied the series 1-1. Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, is expected to start for the Dodgers. Weiss says getting the Game 2 win in the bullpen game, with Ray Kerr as the opener, and having extra rest for Sale was the “best-case scenario” for the Braves' chances.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says his 22nd NHL season will be his last
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Capitals captain and career goal-scoring record holder Alex Ovechkin said this will be his final season in the NHL. Ovechkin said it was important to his family to let his fellow teammates know first. He signed a one-year contract and is playing at age 41 after breaking Wayne Gretzky's career goal-scoring record in April 2025. Ovechkin in his locker room address said it was sad and a hard decision but hopes the Capitals can make the playoffs one final time with him playing. He wanted to make the announcement before the home opener Wednesday.
Zidane and Mancini get first home wins in charge of France and Italy in Nations League
France has secured a 4-1 win over Belgium in the Nations League and marked Zinedine Zidane's first home victory as coach of the national team. The win in Paris strengthens France's lead in Group A1, three points ahead of Italy. Italy defeated Turkey 3-1 in Bologna. Belgium trails France by four points. Dodi Lukébakio initially put Belgium ahead. France responded with goals from Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki. Michael Olise added two more to seal the victory. Italy achieved its first home win under Roberto Mancini by defeating Turkey with goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Pio Esposito.
Guardians' bats go cold again, wasting Gavin Williams' 11 strikeouts in Game 2 loss
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians are struggling on offense at a crucial time. Despite winning their third straight AL Central title with a late-season surge, their bats have gone cold in the postseason. They managed only four hits in Monday's 4-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox in Game 2 of their AL Division Series. The Guardians had just three hits in Saturday's 3-0 loss. Cleveland's batting average improved after the Aug. 3 trade deadline but hasn't carried into the playoffs. Game 3 is set for Wednesday in Chicago, and the Guardians need to bounce back to avoid a sweep.
Chiefs' Thornton out 12-16 weeks after dislocating left ankle and tearing ligaments, AP source says
Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is expected to miss 12 to 16 weeks after dislocating his left ankle and tearing ligaments in it. That's according to a person with knowledge of the injury who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the details, said Thornton will have surgery this week. Thornton was having the best game of his career when he got hurt at the end of a 55-yard catch during Kansas City’s 30-27 victory over Las Vegas. His ankle got caught beneath him and twisted at a gruesome angle.
