AL West-leading Rangers win again, 6-2 over Tigers (Yahoo Sports)

Elvis Andrus and the AL West-leading Texas Rangers know they are getting close to another postseason berth. ''Yeah, we're feeling great right now, but can't stop playing the way we're doing right now because we're getting close,'' Andrus said. After a 6-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night, the Rangers have to win only once in their final four games against the Los Angeles Angels to be guaranteed a playoff spot.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12q2so187/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/al-west-leading-rangers-win-again-6-2-042324706--mlb.html

Angels slowed with 8-7 loss to Athletics (Yahoo Sports)

Collin Cowgill's soft groundout to third wasn't a terribly appropriate way to end a seven-game winning streak and a rollicking homestand that propelled the Los Angeles Angels back into playoff position. The Angels still packed up and headed for four games in Texas knowing they control their postseason destiny, even after committing four errors and giving up seven unearned runs in an 8-7 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night. One day after the Angels (83-75) completed a two-month chase by passing Houston for the second AL wild-card spot, their mistake-filled loss in their regular-season home finale further complicated the playoff race.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12lsq3ckd/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/angels-slowed-8-7-loss-athletics-031145445--mlb.html

Cespedes' fingers bruised by pitch in Mets' loss to Phils (Yahoo Sports)

Yoenis Cespedes and the New York Mets felt they'd caught a lucky break - no broken bones for the slugger. Cespedes wound up with bruises on two fingers of his left hand after he was hit by a pitch Wednesday night in a testy, 7-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. X-rays were negative on Cespedes, struck on the ring and middle fingers.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=133rtndeg/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/cespedes-fingers-bruises-pitch-mets-loss-phils-032938130--mlb.html

Cardinals rout Pirates, clinch 3rd straight NL Central title (Yahoo Sports)

The St. Louis Cardinals are back in a familiar spot: on top of the NL Central looking down at everyone else. Jason Heyward's third-inning grand slam powered the Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-1 in the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday night, giving St. Louis its third straight division title and 11th since 1994. The Cardinals and assured themselves of the best record in the majors this season despite losing several stars to injury for long stretches.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13al9d58r/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/cardinals-rout-pirates-clinch-3rd-straight-nl-central-021415501--mlb.html

Blue Jays clinch AL East, split doubleheader with Orioles (Yahoo Sports)

It had been 22 years since the Toronto Blue Jays won the AL East, and they celebrated the occasion with the appropriate fanfare. Wearing shirts that read ''The East Is Ours,'' the Blue Jays yelled and screamed with delight in an appropriate conclusion to their unstoppable, two-month run. With a 15-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday in the opener of a doubleheader, Toronto eliminated the New York Yankees from the division race and claimed its first title since 1993.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=138260vdn/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/blue-jays-clinch-al-east-split-doubleheader-orioles-023622146--mlb.html

Mets slugger Cespedes hit in left hand by pitch, leaves game (Yahoo Sports)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- New York Mets slugger Yoenis Cespedes has been hit in the left hand by a pitch and exited the game in Philadelphia.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=135kqlolg/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/mets-slugger-cespedes-hit-left-hand-pitch-leaves-004216730--mlb.html

Blue Jays clinch AL East with 15-2 win over Orioles (Yahoo Sports)

The Toronto Blue Jays clinched their first AL East championship in 22 years with a 15-2 rout of Baltimore on Wednesday, bringing an appropriate conclusion to their unstoppable, two-month run. Toronto entered the doubleheader needing only one victory to eliminate the New York Yankees and claim its first title since 1993. The suspense ended rather quickly, as Toronto built a 4-0 lead in the fourth inning before adding four unearned runs in the fifth.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12mvi6lo6/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/blue-jays-clinch-al-east-15-2-win-232916344--mlb.html

Instant Awesome Video: Texas' 6-foot-3 Kerwin Roach Jr. shows ridiculous hops with his hand reaching top of backboard (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

No practice for Jets' Decker; Revis, Ivory limited (Yahoo Sports)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker remains sidelined by a sprained left knee that could cause him to miss a second straight game.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=130mok2i1/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/no-practice-jets-decker-revis-ivory-limited-215152544--nfl.html

Pirates top Cardinals 8-2 in doubleheader opener (Yahoo Sports)

Francisco Cervelli hit his second career grand slam, Gerrit Cole pitched seven solid innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 in a doubleheader opener to put St. Louis' NL Central title hopes on hold. Cervelli delivered the big blow, a shot to left field with the bases loaded in the fourth. Neil Walker also homered for the Pirates, who moved within three games of St. Louis for first and inched closer to homefield advantage in next week's wild-card game.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=132kdcken/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/pirates-top-cardinals-8-2-game-1-doubleheader-203652720--mlb.html

Ronaldo scores twice as Madrid beats Malmo 2-0 (Yahoo Sports)

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 500th and 501st goals of his career to give Real Madrid a 2-0 win over 10-man Malmo in Group A of the Champions League on Wednesday. The Swedish side held off Madrid for nearly half an hour before they were caught off guard by a counterattack as Ronaldo gathered an Isco pass and made no mistake alone with goalkeeper Johan Wiland. Ronaldo got his second goal of the night in the 89th when he tapped in a pass from Lucas Vazquez in front of goal.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=130n8cth6/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/ronaldo-scores-twice-madrid-beats-malmo-2-0-204223246--mls.html

Breaking: Cristiano Ronaldo scores goals No. 500 and 501, tying Read Madrid's club record in 2-0 UCL win over Malmo (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

New MLB commissioner envisions more speed-up experiments (Yahoo Sports)

Rob Manfred envisions more experiments with speed-up rules, such as limiting pitching changes and trips to the mound, or requiring each pitcher to face multiple batters. Speaking at the Sports Diversity & Inclusion Symposium on Wednesday, the new baseball commissioner said he doesn't see any need to expand the designated hitter to the National League. Manfred also expects teams and the players' association to discuss possible changes to September call-ups during collective bargaining for a contract that starts before the 2017 season.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=1368orhah/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/mlb-commissioner-envisions-more-speed-experiments-195917163--mlb.html

Gambling Video: Dave Tuley offers his take on Baltimore at Pittsburgh, thinks best play is over 43.5 (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

Bulls star Derrick Rose has surgery, no timetable on return (Yahoo Sports)

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose had surgery to repair his left eye socket Wednesday, a day after being elbowed in the face. Coach Fred Hoiberg says the operation to repair a left orbital fracture ''went as expected.'' He would not put a timetable on Rose's return or rule him out for the opener Oct. 27 against Cleveland. A spokeswoman at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where Rose had the operation, referred questions to the team.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13816ucqb/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/bulls-star-derrick-rose-surgery-no-timetable-return-185300892--nba.html

Colts confident Luck will play vs Jags despite sore shoulder (Yahoo Sports)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Colts coach Chuck Pagano is confident quarterback Andrew Luck will play Sunday against Jacksonville despite a sore right shoulder.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=133dg0fgp/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/colts-confident-luck-play-vs-jags-despite-sore-174645312--nfl.html

Browns coach says no team 'rift' over McCown-Manziel debate (Yahoo Sports)

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Browns coach Mike Pettine understands there's disagreement over his decision to start Josh McCown and not Johnny Manziel at quarterback.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=1359pror8/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/browns-sign-third-string-quarterback-2-extension-135728400--nfl.html

NASCAR's Tony Stewart will retire from Cup racing after '16 (Yahoo Sports)

Tony Stewart says he will retire from Sprint Cup racing following the 2016 season. The three-time NASCAR champion announced his decision Wednesday at the Stewart-Haas Racing shop in North Carolina, saying ''next year will be my last year in the Sprint Cup Series.'' He said it was ''100 percent'' his choice. Stewart will be 45 next season, hasn't won a race in over two years and has been privately working on finding a successor for the No. 14 Chevrolet all year.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=132khn9t3/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/nascar-champion-stewart-retire-2016-season-170648885--nascar.html

Court strikes down possible payments to college athletes (Yahoo Sports)

A federal appeals court agreed Wednesday that the NCAA's use of college athletes' names, images and likenesses in video games and TV broadcasts violated antitrust laws but struck down a plan to allow schools to pay players up to $5,000. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the NCAA could not stop schools from providing full scholarships to student athletes but vacated a proposal for deferred cash payments.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=136k7tl5a/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/appeals-court-rules-ncaa-violation-antitrust-laws-152653448--spt.html

Saints' Payton expects Brees to throw at practice all week (Yahoo Sports)

Saints coach Sean Payton says it's ''safe to say'' Drew Brees is going to throw at every practice this week as the quarterback attempts to come back from a right shoulder injury. Brees sat out last Sunday's 27-22 loss at Carolina because of a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder and did not throw at practice last week. It was the first start Brees had missed because of an injury in his NFL career.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=134oead09/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/saints-payton-expects-brees-throw-practice-week-141110447--nfl.html

Bills running back McCoy's status uncertain against Giants (Yahoo Sports)

Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan says there's a ''real possibility'' running back LeSean McCoy will not play against the New York Giants on Sunday because of a nagging injury to his left hamstring. Ryan said Wednesday before practice that ''it doesn't look good.'' But he won't entirely rule out McCoy from playing. ''Is it worth the time to get McCoy near or at 100 percent again?

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13evm39cb/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/bills-running-back-mccoys-status-uncertain-against-giants-150036064--nfl.html

Dodgers clinch third straight NL West title, beat Giants 8-0 (Yahoo Sports)

Clayton Kershaw lingered on the field a few moments longer than the rest of his Los Angeles teammates, then looked up at the cheering fans in Dodger Blue, smiled and tipped his cap before quickly disappearing into the dugout and heading off to celebrate. Kershaw pitched the big-money Dodgers to their third straight NL West title, tossing a one-hitter as Los Angeles beat Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants 8-0 on Tuesday night. Kershaw allowed just a third-inning single and struck out 13, and now he'll get a chance to erase those sour postseason memories as the Dodgers (88-69) advanced to face the NL East champion New York Mets in a best-of-five Division Series.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=136o59bsa/*https%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/dodgers-clinch-third-straight-nl-west-title-beat-060922756--mlb.html

Dodgers clinch third straight NL West title, beat Giants 8-0 (Yahoo Sports)

Clayton Kershaw pitched the big-money Dodgers to their third straight NL West title, tossing a one-hitter as Los Angeles beat the San Francisco Giants 8-0 on Tuesday night. Kershaw allowed just a third-inning single and struck out 13, and now he'll get a chance to erase those sour postseason memories as the Dodgers (88-69) advance to face the NL East champion New York Mets in a best-of-five Division Series. Kershaw (16-7) finally got the best of his 2015 nemesis in the fourth matchup of the year against World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, striking out the side in order three times and retiring the final 19 batters as the Dodgers snapped a four-game losing streak.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=135knj8b1/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/dodgers-clinch-third-straight-nl-west-title-beat-050500435--mlb.html

Pujols, Aybar send Angels to 7th straight win, 8-1 over A's (Yahoo Sports)

The shouts and cheers rose from the dining room and rolled down the hallway in the Los Angeles Angels' clubhouse when the Mariners squeezed the final out to beat Houston. After a roller-coaster summer and a brilliant September, the Angels have finally caught up to the Astros in this crazy AL playoff race. Albert Pujols had an RBI double among his three hits, Erick Aybar drove in three runs and the Angels took over the lead for the second wild-card spot with their seventh consecutive victory, 8-1 over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=1303gfn2r/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/pujols-aybar-send-angels-7th-straight-win-8-051331354--mlb.html

AL West leader Texas snaps 3-game skid, 7-6 over Tigers (Yahoo Sports)

Cole Hamels won his sixth consecutive decision, overcoming a shaky start to strike out eight in six innings, and the AL West-leading Texas Rangers snapped a three-game skid with a 7-6 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. Texas started the night with a 1 1-2 game division lead over Houston and two games ahead of the Angels, who start a four-game series Thursday in Texas to end the regular season. Adrian Beltre had three hits and drove in two runs, including Shin-Soo Choo when they had consecutive doubles in the fourth to break a 6-all tie.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12rr7p9sm/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/al-west-leader-texas-snaps-3-game-skid-033533287--mlb.html

Instant Awesome Video: NBA impersonator Brandon Armstrong mimics Shaquille O'Neal, including baby hook, FT routine (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

Bulls PG Rose to have eye surgery after getting elbowed (Yahoo Sports)

CHICAGO (AP) -- Bulls star Derrick Rose will have surgery on his left eye after being elbowed in the face.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12u91mdtp/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/bulls-pg-rose-eye-surgery-getting-elbowed-231746153--nba.html

Breaking: Bulls G Derrick Rose sustained left orbital fracture when struck in face by elbow during Tuesday's practice (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

Appeals court: No Brady case arguments before February (Yahoo Sports)

A New York federal appeals court says February will be the earliest it will hear arguments in the NFL's appeal of the lifting of a four-game suspension of New England quarterback Tom Brady in the ''Deflategate'' controversy. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Tuesday that oral arguments could be heard as early as Feb. 1. The NFL and the NFL Players Association had agreed on the expedited timetable.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=133cu6rq6/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/appeals-court-no-brady-case-arguments-february-211235180--nfl.html

Browns part ways with troubled line coach Andy Moeller (Yahoo Sports)

The Browns and suspended offensive line coach Andy Moeller have ended their association. Moeller, who was recently investigated for an alleged domestic assault against his fiancee at his home in Berea, Ohio, and the Browns have ''mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately,'' the team said Tuesday in a joint statement with the assistant coach's agent, Paul Sheehy. ''While no charges were filed in connection with the recent accusations asserted against him, and which Andy vehemently denies, he has advised the Browns that he desires to devote his full attention and focus on his family,'' the statement said.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13a36ia3f/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/browns-parting-ways-offensive-line-coach-andy-moeller-211444217--nfl.html

Cardinals-Pirates rained out, doubleheader Wednesday (Yahoo Sports)

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals will have to wait at least one more day for a chance to clinch their third straight NL Central title.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=134v7dbhh/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/cardinals-pirates-rained-doubleheader-wednesday-214621620--mlb.html

Chiefs' Andy Reid takes blame for second straight loss (Yahoo Sports)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- In the moments after a lopsided loss Monday night, Chiefs coach Andy Reid was in no mood to talk, brushing away a series of questions about the performance in Green Bay with the same answer.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=136o6e1is/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/chiefs-andy-reid-takes-blame-second-straight-loss-210305838--nfl.html

Instant Awesome Video: Steve Young performs signature dance moves of ESPN colleague and former Ravens LB Ray Lewis (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

Breaking: NFL's appeal of Tom Brady ruling will be heard as early as the week of Feb. 1, 2016 (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

Yogi Berra remembered at funeral by family, sports royalty (Yahoo Sports)

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (AP) -- On a day filled with stories from a lifetime in baseball, Yogi Berra is being remembered as more than one of the game's greats.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=134l8fl8f/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/yogi-berra-funeral-televised-yankees-tv-network-111329296--spt.html

Cavs guard Shumpert needs wrist surgery, out 3 months (Yahoo Sports)

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert needs surgery on his right wrist and will be sidelined for at least three months.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13542h7np/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/cavs-guard-shumpert-needs-wrist-surgery-3-months-171900268--nba.html

Patriots acquire LB Jonathan Bostic from Bears (Yahoo Sports)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- The New England Patriots have acquired linebacker Jonathan Bostic from the Chicago Bears for an undisclosed draft pick.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12u59adsp/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/patriots-acquire-lb-jonathan-bostic-bears-171036889--nfl.html

Larry Brown suspended by NCAA, SMU gets postseason ban (Yahoo Sports)

The NCAA banned the SMU men's basketball team from postseason play Tuesday and suspended veteran coach Larry Brown for nine games after concluding that he lied to investigators, ignored academic fraud and fell far short of expectations in leading his staff when it came to compliance. In a scathing report, the NCAA noted that Brown had previously coached at Kansas and UCLA yet made ''choices against his better judgment when it came to compliance issues'' at SMU, where he is preparing for his fourth season. ''These choices included not reporting possible violations in his program, initially lying to the enforcement staff during the investigation and providing no specific guidance to his staff on rules compliance,'' the NCAA said in punishing SMU for its 10th major infractions case over the years.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13981vlch/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/larry-brown-suspended-ncaa-smu-gets-postseason-ban-152905145--ncaab.html

Breaking: Ex-UFC champion Jon Jones pleads guilty to leaving scene of an accident; avoids jail, gets 18 months probation (ESPN)

from ESPN http://espn.go.com/

Roethlisberger frustrated but relieved after knee injury (Yahoo Sports)

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he's frustrated but relieved his knee injury is not more serious.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=133k5c6vs/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/roethlisberger-frustrated-relieved-knee-injury-150246606--nfl.html

FIFA bans Blatter ally Warner for life over repeated bribery (Yahoo Sports)

Four years after stepping down in disgrace, former FIFA vice president Jack Warner was banned from soccer for life on Tuesday for repeated acts of bribery related to World Cup bidding votes. Warner, a long-time ally of President Sepp Blatter who was allowed to resign from FIFA in 2011 with his ''presumption of innocence'' maintained, is currently fighting extradition from Trinidad and Tobago on U.S. charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering. The decision by the FIFA ethics committee on Tuesday shows that judge Hans-Joachim Eckert will pursue officials long after they have left their jobs.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12tbitt07/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/fifa-meltdown-chung-wants-emergency-body-093030551--sow.html

FIFA bans ex-VP Warner for life over repeated misconduct (Yahoo Sports)

ZURICH (AP) -- FIFA has banned former vice president Jack Warner for life over misconduct following an investigation into the bidding contest for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12upj3ocn/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/fifa-bans-ex-vp-warner-life-over-repeated-112503916--sow.html

Greinke, Dodgers denied NL West as Giants win 3-2 in 12 (Yahoo Sports)

Zack Greinke and the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers were denied a playoff-clinching party for at least another day, losing to the San Francisco Giants 3-2 on pinch-hitter Alejandro De Aza's 12th-inning sacrifice fly Monday night. Andre Ethier hit a tying groundout in the top of the ninth, then the rivals needed three more innings to decide this one. With the Dodgers employing a five-man infield, De Aza hit a fly to left against Adam Liberatore for a victory that prevented the defending World Series champions from being eliminated in the pennant race.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=130efekvi/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/greinke-dodgers-denied-nl-west-giants-win-3-062843383--mlb.html

Rodgers throws for 5 TDs, Packers beat Chiefs 38-28 (Yahoo Sports)

Aaron Rodgers dissected another defense on a national stage, building a big enough cushion for the Green Bay Packers to overcome a late rush by Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Rodgers threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns, including three to Randall Cobb, and Green Bay beat Kansas City 38-28 on Monday night. Rodgers led the Packers (3-0) on two successful first-quarter drives that ended with scoring passes to Cobb and rookie Ty Montgomery.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=130bp8gk8/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/rodgers-throws-5-tds-packers-beat-chiefs-38-040439069--nfl.html

Cardinals inch closer to NL Central title, top Pirates 3-0 (Yahoo Sports)

Matt Carpenter raced home to break a scoreless tie in the ninth inning when two Pittsburgh Pirates outfielders mishandled Jon Jay's single, and Mark Reynolds followed with a two-run homer to lift the banged-up St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-0 win on Monday night. The Cardinals reduced their magic number to clinch a third straight NL Central title to two after getting to Pittsburgh closer Mark Melancon (3-2). St. Louis can wrap up the division with a victory at Pittsburgh Tuesday night.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=1374aphv6/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/cardinals-inch-closer-nl-central-title-top-pirates-025927704--mlb.html

Denorfia's HR in 11th gives Cubs 1-0 win over Royals (Yahoo Sports)

Chris Denorfia hit a pinch-hit home run leading off the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night. Denorfia hit the first pitch from reliever Miguel Almonte (0-2) into the left-field bleacher for the Cubs' major league-leading 13th walk-off victory of the season. Fernando Rodney (2-0) pitched a scoreless top of the 11th to get the win.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12pjfju01/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/denorfias-hr-11th-gives-cubs-1-0-win-031409820--mlb.html

Blue Jays rally past Orioles 4-3 (Yahoo Sports)

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays edged closer to clinching the AL East title Monday night, getting a homer from Edwin Encarnacion and scoring a ninth-inning run to secure a 4-3 comeback victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12lvai2bd/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/blue-jays-rally-past-orioles-4-3-015210839--mlb.html

Jays' Tulowitzki takes BP, expects to be ready for playoffs (Yahoo Sports)

Toronto shortstop Troy Tulowitzki tested his injured shoulder by taking batting practice Monday and expects to return in time for the postseason. Tulowitzki hasn't played since Sept. 12, when he cracked his scapula and bruised muscles in his upper back after colliding with teammate Kevin Pillar in a game against the Yankees. After taking between 30 and 40 swings, Tulowitzki said, ''Hitting is the last thing.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=135dbsbb2/*https%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/jays-tulowitzki-takes-bp-expects-ready-playoffs-232432940--mlb.html

Browns quarterback Josh McCown bruises hand, holds onto job (Yahoo Sports)

Browns starting quarterback Josh McCown injured his right throwing hand in Sunday's loss to Oakland, but doesn't expect to miss any time. Despite McCown's struggles and a lackluster effort by Cleveland's offense, Browns coach Mike Pettine said he will not make a change and start backup Johnny Manziel, who led the team to a win over Tennessee last week. McCown returned to the lineup Sunday after sustaining a concussion on Cleveland's opening drive this season in New York.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=13b7n3n12/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/browns-quarterback-josh-mccown-bruises-hand-holds-onto-214642656--nfl.html

Scherzer close to 2nd no-no of 2015, Nats beat Reds 5-1 (Yahoo Sports)

On another eventful afternoon at Nationals Park, Washington right-hander Max Scherzer came within five outs of his second no-hitter of the season, shutting down the Cincinnati Reds into the eighth inning while striking out 10 batters in a 5-1 victory Monday, hours after closer Jonathan Papelbon was suspended for fighting with Bryce Harper a day earlier. Scherzer did not allow a hit until Tucker Barnhart singled to left field on a 1-2 count with one out in the eighth. Barnhart wound up scoring on Skip Schumaker's single, the only other hit allowed by Scherzer (13-12), who left after the eighth.

from Yahoo Sports http://us.rd.yahoo.com/sports/rss/top/SIG=12stdjru8/*http%3A//sports.yahoo.com/news/scherzer-close-2nd-no-no-2015-nats-beat-215046329--mlb.html

Arizona's Scooby Wright out several weeks with foot injury (Yahoo Sports)

Arizona All-American linebacker Scooby Wright is out again after spraining his right foot against UCLA on Saturday, his first game back after suffering a left knee injury. Wright missed most of the first three games after suffering a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee, an injury that required surgery. Wright swept the major national defensive awards as a sophomore last season.

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Panthers acquire DE Jared Allen in trade with Bears (Yahoo Sports)

The Carolina Panthers say they've acquired veteran defensive end Jared Allen from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a future late-round draft pick. The trade will become official pending Allen passing a physical, team spokesman Steven Drummond told The Associated Press. The Panthers made the move after their top pass rusher Charles Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Sunday's 27-22 win over the New Orleans Saints.

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Nationals' Scherzer no-hit bid ends with 1 out in 8th (Yahoo Sports)

Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals allowed his first hit of the game against the Cincinnati Reds with one out in the eighth inning, a single by Tucker Barnhart. Barnhart hit Scherzer's 105th pitch Monday to left field on a 1-2 count. This is Washington's home finale, a game originally scheduled for July 8 but postponed because of rain.

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Jets' Colon sidelined for at least 1 game with sprained knee (Yahoo Sports)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- New York Jets right guard Willie Colon will be sidelined at least one game with a sprained knee.

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Mariners hire Jerry Dipoto as new general manager (Yahoo Sports)

The Seattle Mariners have found their new general manager, announcing Monday that they have hired former Angels GM Jerry Dipoto. With the Toronto Blue Jays making the postseason this year, the Mariners now have the longest playoff absence in baseball at 14 years and counting. Dipoto was the Angels' general manager for 3 1/2 years before resigning on July 1 following clashes with manager Mike Scioscia that began the first year they worked together.

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Lions coach Caldwell sticking with Lombardi to call plays (Yahoo Sports)

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell says he is not taking play-calling duties away from offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.

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Las Vegas, Quebec City set to take step in NHL expansion bid (Yahoo Sports)

Las Vegas and Quebec City are moving closer in their bids to land a NHL franchise. A Bill Foley-led group and Montreal-based communications giant Quebecor are in the third and final stage of a process to potentially bring the world's top hockey league to Las Vegas and Quebec City, respectively. ''They have been invited to make presentations to the Executive Committee on Tuesday,'' NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly wrote in an email.

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Florida State coach: RB Pender out with collapsed lung (Yahoo Sports)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida State running back Mario Pender will miss Saturday's game at Wake Forest due to a collapsed lung suffered at practice last week.

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NFL exec: Ref didn't tell Newton 'you're not old enough' (Yahoo Sports)

The NFL vice president of officiating says that referee Ed Hochuli insists he never told Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton that he ''wasn't old enough'' to get a personal foul call during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. ''Ed was adamant that he did not say that,'' Dean Blandino told the NFL Network on Monday.

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