As Dodgers try to become first repeat champion in quarter-century, Roberts hopes he’s not a villain
TORONTO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been playfully addressing criticism about the team’s high spending. The Dodgers spent $509 million on their roster, far exceeding the big low Miami Marlins at $69 million. Roberts joked about “ruining baseball” after the Dodgers clinched the National League pennant. The Dodgers are the first defending champions to reach the World Series since 2009. They face the Toronto Blue Jays, with Blue Jays manager John Schneider acknowledging the Dodgers’ strengths and weaknesses. Blake Snell, who starts for the Dodgers, reflects on his growth since his last World Series appearance for Tampa Bay in 2020.
Chargers dominate Vikings 37-10 as Justin Herbert throws for 3 TDs
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Justin Herbert threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, and the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 37-10. The Chargers snapped a skid of three losses in four games. They won for the first time since Week 6 at Miami. Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen joined Hall of Famer Antonio Gates as the only players in franchise history with 11,000 receiving yards. The Vikings lost consecutive games for the first time this season. Carson Wentz started on short rest in place of J.J. McCarthy, who missed his fifth straight game with an ankle injury.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores career-high 55 to lead Thunder past Pacers 141-135 in 2 OTs
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 55 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder won their second straight double-overtime game to begin the season, beating the Indiana Pacers 141-135 on Thursday night in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals teams. The reigning MVP reached 50 for the fifth time, tying Russell Westbrook for most by a Thunder player. Ajay Mitchell added a career-best 26 points for Oklahoma City, which outlasted Houston on Tuesday in its season opener.
Rookie Trey Yesavage to start World Series opener for Blue Jays, just his 7th big league game
TORONTO (AP) — Rookie Trey Yesavage will start Friday night’s World Series opener for the Toronto Blue Jays against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Blake Snell, giving the 22-year-old more postseason starts than career regular-season outings. Yesavage debuted on Sept. 15 and will be making his fourth postseason start. Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday he wasn’t ready to announce his Game 2 starter from among Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami complete new contract. He’ll remain with the club at least into 2026
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi has agreed to a new contract with Inter Miami, ensuring he stays with the team as they move to a new stadium next year. The deal was announced Thursday, a day before Inter Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville. Messi’s presence is expected to boost ticket sales as the club prepares for the move into the stadium near Miami International Airport. He was the league’s MVP last season and is favored to win again this year. Messi’s decision to stay is significant for both the club and MLS, as his influence continues to grow. Inter Miami said it was a three-year deal through 2028.
The college-to-pro move for coaches has a mixed history, from Jerry Tarkanian to Jimmy Johnson
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tony Vitello’s move from college coach to pro manager is a rare journey in modern baseball. After leading Tennessee to its first College World Series title in 2024, Vitello has been hired by Buster Posey to manage the San Francisco Giants. While others like Casey Stengel and Pat Murphy have transitioned from college to the majors, Vitello is the first in modern history to do so without any pro experience. This path has been taken in other sports with mixed results, including Lou Holtz, Jimmy Johnson and Brad Stevens, each having varied success in their respective leagues.
Blue Jays manager to Shohei Ohtani: We want our hat back — and your dog’s jacket
TORONTO (AP) — John Schneider is waiting for Shohei Ohtani to return some items to the Toronto Blue Jays. Before signing a $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani met with Blue Jays officials in December 2023. Ohtani will lead off for the Dodgers against the Blue Jays in the World Series on Friday. Schneider joked about Ohtani returning a Blue Jays hat and jacket taken during their meeting. Ohtani helped the Dodgers win last year’s title. The Blue Jays used their budget to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a $500 million contract.