Galaxy rally from two-goal deficit to defeat LAFC and clinch playoff berth  —  CARSON — The Galaxy entered Saturday's clash against rival LAFC with a chance to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs.  —  At the start of the week, a win was needed, by kickoff, due to some early results, a draw would have sufficed.

Sources: Twins cut minor league catcher Derek Bender for tipping pitches  —  The Minnesota Twins released minor league catcher Derek Bender on Thursday after he told opposing hitters the types of pitches that were coming to the plate during at-bats in the game last week that eliminated his team …

Bryce Harper, Cal Stevenson lift NL East-leading Phillies to 6-4 comeback win over Mets  —  PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper homered twice, Cal Stevenson hit a two-run, go-ahead double in the seventh inning and made a run-saving, highlight-reel catch in the eighth, and the NL East-leading …

Hyde: Bills dominate, Tua hurt, Hill shut down — 10 thoughts on Dolphins' 31-10 loss to Buffalo  —  MIAMI GARDENS — The Buffalo Bills aren't dead.  —  The Miami Dolphins aren't ready to take their AFC East crown.  —  And it was worse than that.  The Dolphins lost 31-10 on Thursday night …

Why the Red Sox need to add a right-handed masher in the offseason  —  Picture Alex Bregman playing third base for the Boston Red Sox next season.  Wait, what about Rafael Devers?  Move him to first.  What about Triston Casas?  Trade him for a starting pitcher of comparable ability and service, maybe one from the Seattle Mariners.

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani seems likely to reach 50-50 milestone during upcoming trip  —  Manager Dave Roberts was hoping Ohtani would do it during their final homestand, but with 47 home runs and 48 stolen bases already, history might be made during the seven-game swing through Atlanta and Miami

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager to undergo season-ending sports hernia surgery  —  The Rangers shortstop has been on the IL since Sept. 4. … SEATTLE — Corey Seager's season is officially done.  —  He will spend a second consecutive offseason recovering from a sports hernia.

Ushering in a new era, the Pac-12 Conference strengthens its legacy by welcoming four respected academic and athletic universities  —  Boise State University, Colorado State University, California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University to join Oregon State and Washington State Universities

The Red Sox appeared headed toward another letdown against the Orioles, but Tyler O'Neill had other plans  —  The Red Sox were just 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position when Tyler O'Neill strolled to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning of Wednesday's rubber match against the Orioles.

Altuve ‘not really worried’ after he exits with right side tightness  —  HOUSTON — If a second consecutive loss to the A's on Wednesday night — and third in a row overall — wasn't enough to leave the Astros discouraged, an injury to star second baseman Jose Altuve likely did the job.

Shohei Ohtani pitching out of bullpen in playoffs?  Why not?  —  (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)  —  When the Dodgers last won the World Series in 2020, the championship was saved with the most unusual of scenarios.  —  The final seven outs of the deciding Game 6 victory …

Lindor's leadoff HR in 9th ends Francis' no-hit bid and Mets rally for 6-2 win over Blue Jays  —  TORONTO — Francisco Lindor broke up Bowden Francis' no-hit bid with a tying homer leading off the ninth inning, Francisco Alvarez added a three-run shot and the New York Mets scored six times …

Red Sox's James Paxton plans to retire after season  —  James Paxton still is holding out hope that he can recover from injury and pitch for the Boston Red Sox this season.  —  But if he doesn't, the veteran left-hander said he plans to retire once the season ends.