Mets falter again, fall to lowly Pirates; NL East now tied  —  PITTSBURGH — The New York Mets built their lead in the National League East in part by feasting on also-rans.  —  In September, the also-rans are fighting back, and a division title that seemed almost a foregone conclusion during portions …

Explaining MLB's new 6-team per league playoff format and the advantages of the No. 3 seed  —  As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, Rob Manfred will break it.  —  While Major League Baseball's previous playoff format included the controversial wild card game, which usually meant …

Here is why it is so crucial for the Mets to hold off the Braves and win the NL East  —  The fate of the Mets' season relies on the outcome of the National League East.  With the red-hot Atlanta Braves pulling just one game behind the Amazin's, the possibility of playing a Wild Card series has become very real.

Benches clear in Baltimore as Orioles get back at Blue Jays  —  BALTIMORE — Normally Vlad Guerrero Jr. reserves his most savage of blows for his bat, which can assault a baseball like no other in the major leagues.  —  STORY CONTINUES BELOW  —  This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Deadly Fairview fire up to 4,000 acres burned, still 5% containment  —  Deputies are in evacuated areas looking for looters and any residents in need  —  The deadly Fairview fire burning in the rocky foothills several miles southeast of Hemet, which initially had raced up Avery Canyon before slowing …