Reliever Woodruff's homer stuns Kershaw, Brewers take Game 1  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) The high-five at the plate from Brandon Woodruff nearly took out Lorenzo Cain.  —  It's not often that reliever hits a home run.  —  Batting left-handed.  Off lefty Clayton Kershaw.  In the playoffs.

Saturday LCS guide: Red Sox take aim at the champs; and can the Dodgers even up?  —  The league championship series started with a bang as the Milwaukee Brewers ran their winning streak to 12 games and handed Clayton Kershaw the shortest postseason start of his career to seize a quick lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker to throw out NLCS 1st pitch  —  MILWAUKEE — Back in the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2011, the Milwaukee Brewers decided to bring out the big gun, announcing that Mr. Baseball — Bob Uecker — will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday night's Game 1.

Dodgers look to clean up their act against Brewers in Game 2  —  MILWAUKEE — The Los Angeles Dodgers came up empty against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, but after rallying to within a run in the ninth inning …

Inside the inning when Brandon Woodruff's swing rocked the NLCS  —  MILWAUKEE — The inning, which defined Game 1 of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers, was about as unlikely as one you'll see in baseball.

Astros' Justin Verlander: ‘No set number’ of seasons left in career  —  With one World Series ring in his possession and a second in his sights, Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander said he hasn't given any thought as to walking away from baseball after 14 seasons.

Chris Sale weighs in on Mookie Betts-J.D. Martinez debate for AL MVP  —  The Boston Red Sox have two viable MVP candidates on their ballclub.  —  Mookie Betts led the majors with a .346 average and became just the second player in franchise history to join the 30-30 club (32 homers and 30 stolen bases).

Martin Maldonado won't mind trading in a halo for a ring … If he ever felt any apprehension joining the Houston Astros in the middle of a postseason run as he did this summer, former Angels catcher Martin Maldonado long ago dispelled it.  —  He said on Friday evening at Fenway Park …

MLB: Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius needs Tommy John surgery  —  Yankees star shortstop Didi Gregorius needs Tommy John surgery on his right elbow after injuring himself making a throw in Boston during the AL Division Series, and there's no telling exactly when he'll be able to play again.