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Stacy Wakefield had a passion for service that continued after husband Tim Wakefield's death
Read full article: Stacy Wakefield had a passion for service that continued after husband Tim Wakefield's deathStacy Wakefield is being remembered for her passion for service, which included visits with cancer-stricken kids up until the final months of her life.
Cardinals set team record with 15th straight win, beat Cubs
Read full article: Cardinals set team record with 15th straight win, beat CubsThe St. Louis Cardinals set a franchise record with their 15th straight win, boosted when catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Harrison Bader helped pull off a wild double play in an 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Cards match record with 14th straight win, rip Cubs 12-4
Read full article: Cards match record with 14th straight win, rip Cubs 12-4The surging St. Louis Cardinals emphatically matched a team record with their 14th straight win, pounding the Chicago Cubs 12-4 in the second game of a doubleheader behind Tyler O’Neill’s three-run homer and a pair of solo shots by Lars Nootbaar.
Cardinals power past Mets 11-4 for 3-game sweep
Read full article: Cardinals power past Mets 11-4 for 3-game sweepPaul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado each hit one of St. Louis’ four homers, and the Cardinals flashed some fantastic outfield defense in beating the New York Mets 11-4 for their fifth straight victory.
Cards hold off Mets 7-6 in 11 to move into playoff position
Read full article: Cards hold off Mets 7-6 in 11 to move into playoff positionEdmundo Sosa hit the go-ahead single in a three-run 11th inning and the hard-charging St. Louis Cardinals climbed all the way back into playoff position with a 7-6 victory over the New York Mets.
LEADING OFF: Angels' dual threat Ohtani starts at Astros
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Angels' dual threat Ohtani starts at AstrosBig league home run leader Shohei Ohtani is unbeaten in his last 13 starts going into this outing for the Los Angeles Angels against the AL West-leading Astros in Houston.
O'Neill homers, Cards win 2-1 to salvage split with Dodgers
Read full article: O'Neill homers, Cards win 2-1 to salvage split with DodgersTyler O’Neill hit a tiebreaking homer, Cardinals relievers combined for five scoreless innings, and St. Louis salvaged a split of its four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 2-1 win.
Vogelbach slam in 9th caps comeback, Brewers shock Cards 6-5
Read full article: Vogelbach slam in 9th caps comeback, Brewers shock Cards 6-5Daniel Vogelbach delivered a pinch-hit grand slam off Alex Reyes to cap a five-run rally in the ninth inning that gave the Milwaukee Brewers a 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Birthday boy Turner ties mark with 3rd cycle, Nats top Rays
Read full article: Birthday boy Turner ties mark with 3rd cycle, Nats top RaysTrea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lester gets 1st win for Nats, Lindor 5 RBIs at Mets split
Read full article: Lester gets 1st win for Nats, Lindor 5 RBIs at Mets splitJon Lester pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning to gain his first win for Washington, Kyle Schwarber backed him with four RBIs on a pair of home runs and the Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-2 to split a day-night doubleheader.
Strasburg returns, pitches into 6th, Nats beat Orioles 4-2
Read full article: Strasburg returns, pitches into 6th, Nats beat Orioles 4-2Stephen Strasburg pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, allowing just one hit as the Washington Nationals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-2.
DeGrom's 15 strikeouts, 2-hitter lead Mets over Nats 6-0
Read full article: DeGrom's 15 strikeouts, 2-hitter lead Mets over Nats 6-0Jacob deGrom struck out a career-high 15, pitched a two-hitter and boosted the Mets' sagging offense with a go-ahead double from the No. 8 spot in the batting order, leading New York over the Washington Nationals 6-0.
Scherzer's 9 K's, Avila RBI double lift Nats past Cards 1-0
Read full article: Scherzer's 9 K's, Avila RBI double lift Nats past Cards 1-0Max Scherzer struck out nine in six scoreless innings to move up to No. 21 on the career Ks leaderboard, and Alex Avila drove in the game’s lone run with one of his two doubles, helping the Washington Nationals edge the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0.
LEADING OFF: Padres' Lamet set for return, Nats without Soto
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Padres' Lamet set for return, Nats without SotoDinelson Lamet is set for his season debut with the Padres after working back from elbow discomfort that caused him to miss the end of the 2020 season, including the playoffs.
COVID-hit Nats make many moves before 1st game of season
Read full article: COVID-hit Nats make many moves before 1st game of seasonStarting pitchers Jon Lester and Patrick Corbin, closer Brad Hand and four position players expected in the lineup have been put on the 10-day injured list by the Washington Nationals.
Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2
Read full article: Mad Bum gets opener for D-backs; Kluber is Yanks' No. 2He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer — a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
Read full article: Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluatedThe Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day
Read full article: Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening dayScherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.
'I hit a brick wall': Sluggishness led to surgery for Lester
Read full article: 'I hit a brick wall': Sluggishness led to surgery for Lester(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)Jon Lester could tell something wasn’t right. “There would be times where I would run out in the fifth, sixth, seventh inning and feel like I hit a brick wall. “Just thinking that maybe I needed to do a little extra in the weight room. “The big thing is kind of your brain telling you: You can do something or you want to do something. “It’s like, ‘OK, if I miss one (start), they’ll be able to pick me up,’” Lester said.
Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teams
Read full article: Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teamsThe reigning World Series champions already had a pair of Cy Young Award winners in Clayton Kershaw and David Price. Darvish has twice finished runner-up for a Cy Young Award, including last season when he was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. Lester is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with Boston and once with the Cubs. He’s part of a rotation led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and lefty Patrick Corbin. Bradley was a Gold Glove winner in 2018 when the Red Sox won the World Series.
Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgery
Read full article: Boone takes leave for pacemaker; Lester to have surgeryI look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.
Nationals say lefty Jon Lester to have thyroid gland removed
Read full article: Nationals say lefty Jon Lester to have thyroid gland removedFILE - Then-Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, in this Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, file photo. Washington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester will have surgery to have a thyroid gland removed, manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Lester will leave spring training in West Palm Beach, Florida, and fly to New York for the procedure. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)Washington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland, manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season.
Easy does it: MLB pitchers prepare for usual 162-game grind
Read full article: Easy does it: MLB pitchers prepare for usual 162-game grindNationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, that Strasburg is in preparation mode not in rehabilitation mode at spring training after having surgery in 2020. So the familiar feel of February spring training has pitchers eager to unleash fastballs, spin a few breaking balls and get ready for the 162-game long haul. “Spring training is 50 days long,” Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais said. But young pitchers — many of whom didn't throw many innings last season — will have to be watched closely. He practiced on the first day of spring training Wednesday but an MRI later revealed the break.
Spring training '21: New year, but COVID-19 protocols remain
Read full article: Spring training '21: New year, but COVID-19 protocols remainFILE - In this Feb. 18, 2014, file photo, Atlanta Braves batting helmets sits on the field under a shining sun during a spring training baseball workout in Kissimmee, Fla. Major League Baseball revamped its spring training exhibition schedule because of the pandemic, cutting travel for Florida-based teams in an effort to avoid the novel coronavirus, the league announced Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)NEW YORK – Completing the 2020 season required MLB to rewrite its rule book. Offers by MLB to delay opening day were rejected by the players' association last month, defaulting the league into an on-time start. The Grapefruit League schedule was reworked to limit travel, and clubs won’t play exhibitions against local colleges — usually a spring staple. MLB has claimed billions in losses after playing the 2020 season almost entirely without fans, and free agents were met by a sluggish market this winter.
AP source: Chicago Cubs, RHP Jake Arrieta agree to reunion
Read full article: AP source: Chicago Cubs, RHP Jake Arrieta agree to reunionPhiladelphia Phillies' Jake Arrieta pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)CHICAGO – Jake Arrieta is returning to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to a $6 million, one-year contract on Friday. The 34-year-old Arrieta won the NL Cy Young Award with Chicago in 2015 and helped the Cubs win the 2016 World Series for their first championship since 1908. He went 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in 128 starts over five years in his first stint with the team. He tossed a five-hitter in the Cubs' 4-0 win at Pittsburgh in the 2015 NL wild-card game.
Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with Nationals
Read full article: Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with NationalsFILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. A person with knowledge of the deal has confirmed to The Associated Press that left-hander Lester and the Washington Nationals have an agreement in principle in place for a one-year contract. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)WASHINGTON – Jon Lester has been a part of three World Series champions and collected nearly 200 wins in the majors. Lester and Washington had a 2021 agreement in principle in place last week, pending the successful completion of a physical exam. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts in the truncated 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs.
AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physical
Read full article: AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physicalFILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Monday night because the contract was not yet official. 4 starter in Washington, slotting into a rotation that is led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP and lefty Patrick Corbin. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout by Chicago: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.
Hoyer insists Cubs plan to compete after dealing Darvish
Read full article: Hoyer insists Cubs plan to compete after dealing DarvishHoyer insisted the Chicago Cubs are taking a different approach this time. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)CHICAGO – Jed Hoyer insists this time won't be like 2011 for the Chicago Cubs. Along the way, Cubs fans endured a painful rebuild that included a 101-loss 2012 season. “We know that we're coming to the end of this group of players — a wildly successful, franchise-changing run with this group of players,” Hoyer said. "We haven't gotten extensions, and as a result, there are contractual realities to how long we control some of these players,” Hoyer said.
Lester, Kluber, Hand boost free agent total to 175
Read full article: Lester, Kluber, Hand boost free agent total to 175Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal. Milwaukee turned down Gyorko and Sogard, a day after declining a $15 million option on 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun. The White Sox declined a $12 million option for Encarnación and a $7 million option for González, who will receive a $500,000. Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal. His contract included a $12 million option for 2021 with a $2 million buyout.
Jon Lester option declined by Cubs, lefty becomes free agent
Read full article: Jon Lester option declined by Cubs, lefty becomes free agentAll rights reserved)CHICAGO – Jon Lester’s $25 million mutual option for 2021 was declined Friday by the Chicago Cubs, completing a $155 million, six-year contract and allowing the 36-year-old left-hander to become a free agent. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026. Lester was 3-3 with a 5.16 ERA in 12 starts this year with 42 strikeouts and 17 walks. Chicago also claimed infielder Max Schrock off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals and assigned left-hander Rex Brothers outright to Triple-A Iowa. Brothers was 0-0 with an 8.10 ERA in three relief appearances for the Cubs.
Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff lore
Read full article: Cash's bullpen blunder joins Little, others in playoff loreAaron Boone hit a game-ending leadoff homer in the 11th, sending New York to the World Series. 2015 WORLD SERIES GAME 5Matt Harvey and the New York Mets held a 2-0 lead, needing a win to send the Series back to Kansas City. 2016 WORLD SERIES GAME 7The Chicago Cubs led the Cleveland Indians 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth. 2019 WORLD SERIES GAME 7Too bad for Houston fans, the last time they saw Gerrit Cole throw, it was in the bullpen rather than on the mound. “I wasn’t going to pitch him unless we were going to win the World Series and have a lead,” Hinch said.
Game 2 of Marlins-Cubs wild-card series postponed
Read full article: Game 2 of Marlins-Cubs wild-card series postponedCHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs are counting on Yu Darvish to help them avoid a playoff sweep by the Miami Marlins. Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Cubs and Marlins was postponed Thursday because there was rain in the forecast. But as much as anything, I think respect for the organization — of where we're going and how we're doing it and how we're trying to get there and what we're building. I think, hopefully, people are seeing that.”The Marlins will have one of baseball's top prospects on the mound for Game 2. “I felt like his stuff is dynamic enough that he can dominate a game if he's on,” Mattingly said.
Schwarber homers twice as Cubs pound Reds 10-1
Read full article: Schwarber homers twice as Cubs pound Reds 10-1Chicago Cubs' Kyle Schwarber reacts after hitting a grand slam in the ninth inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)CINCINNATI With one massive drive in the ninth inning, Kyle Schwarber made history for the Chicago Cubs. Schwarber, Jason Heyward and Ian Happ became the first starting outfield to hit multiple homers in the same game, and the Cubs pounded the Cincinnati Reds 10-1 on Sunday for a split of their four-game series. Schwarber hit the first and the last of the Cubs' season-high six homers, belting a solo drive in the fourth against Luis Castillo (0-5) and a grand slam off Jos De Len in the ninth. When you have a little piece of history, you always keep that with you.The NL Central-leading Cubs hit 14 homers in the series.
Jonathan Schoop, Spencer Turnbull lead Tigers past Cubs 7-1
Read full article: Jonathan Schoop, Spencer Turnbull lead Tigers past Cubs 7-1Chicago Cubs' Willson Contreras hits a solo home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)DETROIT Jonathan Schoop hit a grand slam in a five-run sixth inning as the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-1 on Tuesday night. The Tigers have won three of five since a nine-game losing streak dropped them out of serious postseason contention. Turnbull walked the leadoff hitter in the sixth but retired the next two before he was replaced by Bryan Garcia. The Tigers put the game away with five runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Giolito fans 13, White Sox tame Tigers 5-0 to complete sweep
Read full article: Giolito fans 13, White Sox tame Tigers 5-0 to complete sweepChicago White Sox's Tim Anderson reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
LEADING OFF: Brewers eye 3rd straight win vs rival Cubs
Read full article: LEADING OFF: Brewers eye 3rd straight win vs rival CubsCubs ace Jon Lester @-0, 1.06 ERA) will try to end the short skid in the finale against Milwaukees Josh Lindblom (1-0, 5.68). The team opted to place the 22-year-old on the injured list retroactive to last Tuesday, meaning he won't be eligible to return before Friday. The ace landed on the 10-day injured list with carpal tunnel neuritis on his right (pitching) hand. This is his first trip to the injured list since 2018. Brady Singer starts for the Royals in the series finale.
Arcia, Hiura power Brewers over Cubs 6-5
Read full article: Arcia, Hiura power Brewers over Cubs 6-5Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader signals with catcher Manny Pina (9) after a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, in Chicago (AP Photo/Matt Marton)CHICAGO Keston Hiura and Orlando Arcia homered, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 on Sunday for their third straight win against the NL Central leaders. The Cubs struck out 53 times during the four-game set. Brewers starter Josh Lindblom also struggled, allowing five runs in five-plus innings. In the fifth, Urias led off with a triple and Arcia followed with a two-run homer to put the Brewers on top 5-3. HOMECOMINGBefore traveling to Minnesota for a three-game series beginning Tuesday night, the Brewers were planning to return home Sunday night.
Garcia doubles in 10th, Brewers hand Cubs 1st 2-game skid
Read full article: Garcia doubles in 10th, Brewers hand Cubs 1st 2-game skidMilwaukee Brewers' Avisail Garcia (24) celebrates with teammates Christian Yelich (22) and Ryan Braun (8) after scoring on a Justin Smoak two RBI double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)CHICAGO Avisail Garcia doubled home the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Cubs 6-5 Saturday, handing Chicago its first two-game losing streak this season. Garcia doubled to deep right off Jeremy Jeffress (1-1) to score automatic runner Christian Yelich from second base to start the 10th. Uras had three hits and Ryan Braun and Garcia added two hits apiece for the Brewers, who beat Chicago 4-3 on Friday night. Braun doubled, advanced on Casey Sadlers wild pitch and scored the go-ahead run on second baseman Jason Kipnis fielding error in the sixth.
Rizzo homers again, Cubs beat virus-unsettled Reds 8-7
Read full article: Rizzo homers again, Cubs beat virus-unsettled Reds 8-7Down 8-1 in the seventh inning, the Reds cut it to 8-5 on Joey Vottos two-run single. Miley hit Kris Bryant with his second pitch, walked Rizzo, and gave up Wilson Contreras' double. Rizzo hit a solo homer in the sixth off Tejay Antone. Jesse Winker got the Reds' first hit an inning later, an RBI single off Rowan Wick. TRAINER'S ROOMCubs: Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras and Albert Almora Jr. were hit by pitches Rizzo twice but stayed in the game.
Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0
Read full article: Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws the ball during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during an opening day baseball game Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0
Read full article: Hendricks goes 9; Rizzo HRs, sanitizes; Cubs beat Brew 3-0Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws the ball during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during an opening day baseball game Friday, July, 24, 2020, in Chicago. Showing off an improved curveball, Hendricks struck out nine and walked none in his first career opening-day start and fourth career shutout. Ross came out to check on Hendricks with two out and a runner on first in the ninth. He decided to leave him in, and Keston Hiura bounced into a game-ending fielder's choice on Hendricks' 103rd pitch. Burnes is making his fifth career start after spending much of his first two seasons in Milwaukee's bullpen.