Cubs beat Padres 3-1 to clinch Wild Card Series, advance to NL Division Series against the Brewers
CHICAGO (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong hit an RBI single off a shaky Yu Darvish, and the Chicago Cubs shut down Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres for a clinching 3-1 victory in Game 3 of their NL Wild Card Series on Thursday. Backed by a raucous crowd of 40,895 at Wrigley Field, Chicago used its stellar defense to advance in the postseason for the first time since 2017. Michael Busch hit a solo homer, and Jameson Taillon pitched four shutout innings before manager Craig Counsell used five relievers to close it out. Next up for Chicago is a matchup with NL Central champion Milwaukee for a compelling NL Division Series, beginning with Game 1 on Saturday.
Dingler, Pérez lead Tigers past Guardians 6-3 and into AL Division Series against Mariners
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Detroit Tigers have defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 in the deciding Game 3 of their AL Wild Card Series, advancing to a Division Series against the Seattle Mariners. Dillon Dingler hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning and Wenceel Pérez drove in two runs during a four-run seventh. This marks the second consecutive season the Tigers have won a Wild Card Series on the road. Detroit heads to Seattle for the first two games of their best-of-five Division Series, with Game 1 on Saturday. The Guardians, who made a historic comeback to overtake the Tigers and win the AL Central, fell short in their best-of-three playoff. Kyle Finnegan got the win in relief for Detroit.
Caitlin Clark says Collier made ‘valid’ points and Commissioner Engelbert hasn’t contacted her
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark says WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert hasn’t reached out to her in the aftermath of Napheesa Collier’s statement about an alleged private conversation in which the league’s leader made comments about Clark. The Indiana Fever guard spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since the league’s All-Star Game in July. Clark said Minnesota Lynx star Collier made valid points in her lengthy statement that criticized league officials, particularly Engelbert, for what Collier portrayed as a lack of accountability and care for WNBA players.
US will increase staffing at embassies and consulates to handle visas for World Cup fans
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department will increase staffing at certain U.S. embassies and consulates to accommodate an expected major jump in visa applications from soccer fans wanting to attend World Cup matches in the United States next year. The department will send hundreds of additional consular officers to “designated countries” to handle the demand for visa interviews. The number of staffers and the countries where they will go have yet to be determined because the 48-team field for the 2026 World Cup hasn’t been finalized. Fans from the mainly European and Asian countries in the Visa Waiver Program won’t likely require an interview.
Still no Lamar Jackson, but Nate Wiggins and Ronnie Stanley return to practice for the Ravens
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback Nate Wiggins were back at practice for the Baltimore Ravens, but star quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety Kyle Hamilton were absent during the portion open to reporters. Hamilton did not seem injured during last weekend’s loss at Kansas City, but he showed up on Wednesday’s injury report as limited in that day’s practice because of a groin issue. He was not on the field early in Thursday’s session. Neither were linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. The returns of Stanley and Wiggins were encouraging, however, for a depleted Baltimore team that needs all the healthy players it can find this weekend against Houston.
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Aces and Mercury overcame challenges to reach the WNBA Finals
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas and Phoenix have both reached the WNBA Finals after overcoming significant challenges. The Aces narrowly defeated Seattle and Indiana, while the Mercury staged a comeback against Minnesota. The Finals, starting Friday, will be a best-of-seven series for the first time. Las Vegas aims for a third title in four years, while Phoenix seeks to tie the record for most championships. Despite regular-season results, both teams emphasize the unpredictability of playoff basketball. The Aces-Fever series drew record viewership, highlighting the growing interest in the league.
Ranking baseball’s managerial openings, from the Braves to the Rockies
With Brian Snitker stepping down in Atlanta, there are now eight major league teams with a managerial opening. Five of those spots became vacant since the end of the season, and three teams have had interim managers in place for a while. With the dust seemingly settling, it’s time to take a look at which of these jobs are the most attractive. It’s a subjective exercise of course, and it depends on what a prospective manager values. Some teams can offer a talented current roster, while others might have a better long-term outlook.
Champion runner Caster Semenya ending legal fight against sex eligibility rules, lawyer tells AP
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Two-time Olympic champion runner Caster Semenya is ending her seven-year legal challenge against sex eligibility rules in track and field. Her lawyers told The Associated Press on Thursday that they would not continue the case despite winning a ruling at the European Court of Human Rights in July that appeared to have reignited Semenya’s appeal. The South African first launched her case against the rules that barred her from competing at international events because of her high natural testosterone levels in 2018. She took her case to sports’ highest court, the Swiss supreme court and Europe’s top rights court. The contentious rules have remained in place and were recently made stricter.
FIFA’s Infantino urges soccer to promote peace and takes no action against Israel
GENEVA (AP) — FIFA has faced growing global calls to suspend Israeli teams from soccer but its president Gianni Infantino says it must promote peace and unity. Infantino also notes after a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council that it could not solve political issues. It’s been a febrile period for soccer politics before 2026 World Cup qualifying games for Israel resume next week. European soccer leaders recently made their strongest push against Israeli teams during the two-year conflict in Gaza. UEFA did not ask its executive committee to vote on suspending Israel.
Former Braves catcher David Ross says a return to Atlanta as team’s next manager ‘would be amazing’
ATLANTA (AP) — Former Atlanta catcher and Chicago Cubs manager David Ross says he’s ready to manage again and said returning to the dugout with the Braves “would be amazing.” Even so, Ross declined to elaborate about his interest in the Braves in an interview with The Associated Press without knowing if he’ll be on the list of candidates to replace Brian Snitker. Ross, a native of Bainbridge, Georgia, was 262-284 in four seasons managing the Cubs from 2020-23. Snitker announced Wednesday he will not return after 10 seasons as the Braves’ manager. Ross played for the Braves from 2009-12.
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