Cubs rally in 9th, beat Brewers 5-3 in 10th to extend lead (Sep 21, 2017)  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) The pressure was on and Javier Baez delivered for the Chicago Cubs.  —  Baez grounded a tying single with two outs in the ninth inning, Kris Bryant hit a two-run homer in the 10th and the Cubs widened …

Nationals, Mets renew rivalry at Citi Field (Sep 22, 2017)  —  NEW YORK — The standings tell the story of the divergent paths taken this season by the Washington Nationals and New York Mets, the two teams that were expected to battle each other all season for the National League East crown.

Padres' Lyles looks to extend Rockies' skid (Sep 22, 2017)  —  SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres will turn to Jordan Lyles to stifle the Colorado Rockies on Friday.  And that reminded San Diego manager Andy Green of a recent conversation he had with catcher Austin Hedges.

Mariners hope to stay alive against surging Indians (Sep 22, 2017)  —  SEATTLE — Just as the Seattle Mariners are looking for any break they can muster to remain in the postseason race, they get to welcome one of the hottest teams in baseball history — not the sort of break they needed.

Rangers visit A's with wild-card berth in sight (Sep 22, 2017)  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The Texas Rangers hope to use a break in the schedule to creep closer in the American League wild-card picture when they open a three-game series against the last-place Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

Royals visit White Sox with slim playoff hopes in tow (Sep 22, 2017)  —  CHICAGO — The Kansas City Royals will try to preserve their slim hopes for a wild-card playoff berth when they open a three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

Why Detroit Tigers' Jordan Zimmermann saw progress in loss to Twins  —  This is the reason why Jordan Zimmermann came back.  —  It's why he didn't just shut it down when it looked like he shouldn't return to the mound this season, in the name of being healthy for 2018.

Reds lock up Tucker Barnhart through 2021, with a club option for 2022  —  The Cincinnati Reds and catcher Tucker Barnhart have agreed to a four-year extension with a fifth-year option, the team announced Friday morning.  —  The deal guarantees Barnhart $16 million, according to a source.

Cardinals continue climb with visit to Pirates (Sep 22, 2017)  —  PITTSBURGH — The St. Louis Cardinals have a short, steep climb if they are going to push their way into the playoffs.  —  Next up is a club, the Pittsburgh Pirates, that could be spoilers after they got a confidence shot in their last game.

Yankees still have regular-season goals while visiting Toronto (Sep 22, 2017)  —  TORONTO — The New York Yankees have virtually assured themselves a spot in the American League wild-card game, probably as hosts.  —  They could avoid that one-game playoff, however, by winning the American League East …

New York Mets manager Terry Collins to retire after season, report says  —  The New York Mets expect manager Terry Collins to retire after this season, the New York Daily News reported Thursday.  —  The Mets and Collins have not discussed an extension on his contract, which expires at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Is Craig Kimbrel the best reliever of this decade?  —  A few months ago, with Craig Kimbrel in the midst of a 15-inning scoreless streak, fellow Boston Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes took stock of the closer's excellence.  —  “Craig has been this good for, what, six years?”  Barnes asked.

BREWERS  —  Yes, the Rockies at present have dropped four straight despite playing the likes of the Giants and Padres over that span.  Still, they'll play three more against the .451 Padres before getting the .474 Marlins at home for three.  Then comes an off day before they close up with three against the Dodgers in Coors Field.