AP Sports Summary for October 28th, 2023.
Arizona Diamondbacks take series of slights into surprise World Series against Texas Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Overlooked by oddsmakers and angered by analysts, the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves in a Surprise Series against the also unexpected Texas Rangers. But the mindsets couldn't be more different ahead of Friday night's opener in Major League Baseball's third all-wild card title matchup. The Diamondbacks listen to all the slights and keep track of them. The Rangers say they ignore all the outside chatter. Zac Gallen starts the opener for the Diamondbacks and Nathan Eovaldi will be on the mound for the Rangers.
GarcÃa was let go by 2 teams, including the Rangers, the team he's led to the World Series
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Adolis GarcÃa has gone from being twice designated for assignment to becoming a record-setting AL Championship Series MVP who is now in the World Series. And all that came after the 30-year-old slugger defected from Cuba in hopes of playing in the big leagues. He is in the World Series with the Texas Rangers, the second team that dropped him from their roster. GarcÃa says it's been a long journey, and was a touch decision at the time, but definitely worth it. He's in his third season with Texas, which hosts Game 1 of the World Series against Arizona on Friday night.
Wembanyama makes tying basket in regulation, then earns his first NBA win as Spurs top Rockets in OT
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama made the tying basket with 20 seconds left in regulation, the opening basket in overtime and finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds in his first NBA victory, helping the San Antonio Spurs beat the Houston Rockets 126-122. Wembanyama had 16 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in the second half and overtime Friday. Devin Vassell scored 25 points and Keldon Johnson added 20 for the Spurs, who lost to Dallas on Wednesday in Wembanyama's highly anticipated debut and trailed late in this one before the No. 1 pick helped them pull it out.
Analysis: NFL teams shouldn't let one game affect their trade deadline approach
Some NFL teams still have to make a decision on how to approach Tuesday's trade deadline. Contenders are buyers. Winning teams will try to add a player who can improve a playoff run. Pretenders are sellers. Teams at the bottom of the standings will move veterans or players in the final year of a contract to add draft picks and build for the future. It's the in-between clubs, those in the middle of the pack, that have to figure out their plans. How those teams fare this weekend can impact their decision but one game shouldn't be the determining factor.
Column: From Senators II to Rangers, this franchise is long overdue for a championship
They are The Franchise Formerly Known as the Second Version of the Washington Senators. If there's ever been a team that's due for a championship, it's the Texas Rangers. From their beginnings as a hastily assembled replacement team for the nation's capital back in 1961, they've been through a whole lot of losing seasons and one excruciatingly close-but-no-cigar call. In fact, the Senators-turned-Rangers have labored longer than any franchise in America's four major sports leagues without a championship on their resume. They've got a chance to change that ignominious distinction when they face the Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series.
Rob Manfred says it would be difficult to pause MLB's season for the 2028 LA Olympics
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Bryce Harper wants big leaguers to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says pausing the regular season to make that happen would be difficult. Baseball and softball were restored to the 2028 Games after being dropped for next year's Paris Olympics. MLB did not let players on active big league rosters participate in 2000, 2004 and 2008, and the sport was dropped for 2012 and 2016.
Coyotes' Travis Dermott on using Pride tape, forcing NHL's hand: 'Had to be done'
Arizona defenseman Travis Dermott recently defied an NHL edict on supporting social causes before games. The NHL announced in June that teams would no longer wear themed jerseys, which include Pride nights, Hockey Fights Cancer and military appreciation celebrations. It also banned tape on sticks. But Dermott used Pride tape on his hockey stick in support of the LGBTQ community in Arizona's home opener against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. He said he wasn't sure of the reactions. But the NHL soon rescinded its ban on players using stick tape to support social causes.
Dusty Baker Appreciation: An example of care and humility on the baseball diamond and far beyond
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Dusty Baker's bright smile, genuine care and love for people will live on in his remarkable baseball legacy as much as that signature toothpick, his baseball wisdom and winning into his mid-70s. There was a stretch when Baker wasn't sure he'd get this final shot in Houston, where he has retired after the Astros lost Game 7 of the AL Championship Series to the rival Texas Rangers. Still, he kept fighting back to walk away now, all these years later, on his own terms.
Packers searching for answers regarding their offense's frequent first-half struggles
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers are like a finicky old car that needs several hits to the ignition before finally making some progress. Green Bay has been outscored 63-6 in the first half of its last four games and hasn't scored a touchdown before halftime in any of them. That helps explain why the Packers carry a three-game skid into Sunday's home matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers are doing just fine after halftime. They lead the NFL in second-half points per game but rank last in first-half scoring.
Giants Daniel Jones has been ruled out for the third straight week; Taylor faces Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will miss his third straight game with a neck injury, and Tyrod Taylor will start on Sunday in the MetLife Stadium bragging rights game against the Jets. Giants coach Brian Daboll said Friday that Jones and backup running back Gary Brightwell (hamstring) will be out for Sunday's game. Doctors have not cleared Jones for contract since he was hurt on a blindside sack against Miami on Oct. 8. Jones has repeatedly said he is getting better, and he has been allowed to throw at practice. He signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March.
AP-Scorecard
Here are the latest scores from today's sports events:
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
Arizona 5 Texas 5 (Bot 9th)
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NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Utah 99 L.A. Clippers 95 (in progress)
Golden State 75 Sacramento 70 (in progress)
Orlando 70 Portland 60 (in progress)
Final Denver 108 Memphis 104
Final Detroit 111 Charlotte 99
Final New York 126 Atlanta 120
Final Boston 119 Miami 111
Final Oklahoma City 108 Cleveland 105
Final OT San Antonio 126 Houston 122
Final Dallas 125 Brooklyn 120
Final OT Chicago 104 Toronto 103
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NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Arizona 4 Los Angeles 1 (2nd Period)
Vancouver 4 St. Louis 0 (2nd Period)
Final OT Chicago 4 Vegas 3
Final New Jersey 5 Buffalo 4
Final Carolina 3 San Jose 0
Final SO Washington 3 Minnesota 2
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