Top News:
New York Daily News:
Cubs come back to stun Nationals, 9-8, in NLDS Game 5 thriller — The Chicago Cubs win whenever they need to, with whatever it takes, even a seven-out save by Wade Davis to preserve a shrinking lead and a “Did that really happen?” four-run inning against Washington's Max Scherzer in a thriller of a Game 5.
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Jeff Barker / Baltimore Sun:
No billy goat or ‘Bambino’ but Washingtonians wonder if baseball team is jinxed — Cubs catcher Willson Contreras celebrates the strikeout of Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper to end the game. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) — In the early hours of Friday the 13th in the 13th season …
USA Today:
Chicago Cubs' flight to L.A. diverted to Albuquerque by medical issue — The Chicago Cubs' plane, bound for Los Angeles after they clinched a berth in NLCS, was diverted to Albuquerque Friday morning after a family member fell ill on the flight. — FAA spokesperson Lynn Lunsford confirmed …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs-Dodgers in NLCS: Who has the edge? — Photos from Game 5 of the National League Division Series between the Cubs and Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. — Chicago Tribune — Starting pitching — Scrambling to win the division series leaves the Cubs with a less-than-ideal setup.
Fox Sports:
After latest playoff flop, Nats must decide Baker's future — WASHINGTON (AP) This is nothing new for the Washington Nationals: enjoy the euphoria of an NL East title, then the disappointment of a Division Series exit - usually with a narrow Game 5 loss, usually at home.
ESPN:
Cubs' plane diverted to Albuquerque for medical issue — ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A flight carrying the Chicago Cubs to Los Angeles was diverted to New Mexico early Friday due to a medical issue on board. — The plane was on its way to California again within a few hours. — EDITOR'S PICKS
Discussion:
Associated Press
Chicago Tribune:
The last Cubs-Dodgers NLCS: A 6-game masterpiece — Baseball- Los Angeles Dodgers- Chicago Cubs- National League Championship Series- Clayton Kershaw- Kyle Hendricks- Anthony Rizzo — The Cubs third-straight trip to the National League Championship Series will feature the same matchup as last year: The Dodgers.
USA Today:
Jon Lester says he ‘blacked out,’ only saw last three outs of Cubs' win against Nationals — Cubs veteran starter Jon Lester apparently becomes a nervous fan during tight games. — Asked about closer Wade Davis' seven-out save — which preserved the Cubs' 9-8 win over the Nationals …
Discussion:
CBS Chicago and The Week
Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune:
15 pivotal moments in Cubs' 9-8 victory over Nationals in Game 5 of NLDS
Jeff Seidel / UPI:
NLCS: Chicago Cubs' bats come alive at right time
Chicago Tribune:
Fans at Wrigley watch party endure gut-wrenching twists, turns as Cubs advance
Fans at Wrigley watch party endure gut-wrenching twists, turns as Cubs advance
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune, Athletics Nation, Let's Go Tribe, McCovey Chronicles and MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Jorge Castillo / Washington Post:
For vanquished Nationals, an inning that will live in infamy
Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
All defeats are not created equal. For Nats, this one is a special kind of painful.
All defeats are not created equal. For Nats, this one is a special kind of painful.
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports and Let Teddy Win!
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs outlast Nationals 9-8 in decisive NLDS Game 5 to clinch series, advance to NLCS
Cubs outlast Nationals 9-8 in decisive NLDS Game 5 to clinch series, advance to NLCS
Discussion:
The Daily Beast
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Rotation, roster decisions await Cubs vs. Dodgers in NLCS rematch
Rotation, roster decisions await Cubs vs. Dodgers in NLCS rematch
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Cubs can laugh at their good fortune: On to the NLCS after absurd 9-8 win over Nationals
Steve Gardner / USA Today:
End of an era for Jayson Werth in Washington
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Cubs beat the Nationals 9-8 to set up an NLCS rematch with the Dodgers
Cubs beat the Nationals 9-8 to set up an NLCS rematch with the Dodgers
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs pull out all stops to win ‘nutty’ National League Division Series
Cubs pull out all stops to win ‘nutty’ National League Division Series
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Chris Kuc / Chicago Tribune:
Game 5 turning point: Addison Russell's 2-run double fuels Cubs' 4-run 5th
Game 5 turning point: Addison Russell's 2-run double fuels Cubs' 4-run 5th
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Fox Sports:
Keuchel looks to continue success against Yankees in ALCS — HOUSTON (AP) Dallas Keuchel is tired of talking about his success against the New York Yankees. — It didn't matter on Thursday, though. It was an unavoidable subject for Houston's ace as he prepares to start against them in Game 1 …
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Fox Sports:
Astros hope Keuchel continues success vs. Yankees (Oct 13, 2017) — HOUSTON — It was difficult to determine whether Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel was entertained or exhausted by the number of times he was asked the same question on Thursday, a query seeking perspective on his career success against the New York Yankees.
Scott LauberESPN / ESPN:
Your guide to Friday's Game 1: Astros-Yankees is closer than you think — HOUSTON — And then there were four. — The division series are over, and with them, the postseason field has been whittled down from 10 teams. The next round begins Friday night, with the Houston Astros hosting …
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
John Harper / New York Daily News:
After emotional ALDS comeback, Yankees seem destined to beat Astros and advance to World Series
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Yankees are not the best team left in the playoffs, but they are the most lovable
Joe Belock / New York Daily News:
All-time Yankees-Astros team composed of players who played for both franchises
Jorge L. Ortiz / USA Today:
Why the Houston Astros will win the AL Championship Series
ESPN:
Can the Dodgers fulfill Magic's vision? — LOS ANGELES — There is no way to pin down Magic Johnson at any moment. He's up long before dawn and in the gym for a morning workout. After that, he's everywhere and anywhere. The Lakers' new offices, practice courts, Dodger Stadium, a business meeting, a political rally.
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers' off-season has started. Where's the beef? Well ... The 2017 season ended 11 days ago for the Texas Rangers, who must rebuild their starting rotation, add to the bullpen and determine where they will put Joey Gallo and Delino DeShields. — Yet, all that has come from the head offices …
Mike Mazzeo / New York Daily News:
Matt Holliday to make Yankees playoff debut in Game 1 of ALCS vs. Astros — HOUSTON — Matt Holliday will finally get his shot. — Holliday will make his Yankee playoff debut at DH in Game 1 of the ALCS vs. Astros lefty Dallas Keuchel on Friday night. — The Bombers did not get a hit from their DH spot in the ALDS.