MLB-NCLS

Scherzer set to start Game 1 at Atlanta

ATLANTA (AP) — Dodgers ace Max Scherzer got the last three outs in the thrilling Game 5 of the NL Division Series and is now lined up to throw the first pitch for Los Angeles in the NL Championship Series. With only one full day off in between.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he aims to start Scherzer at Atlanta tonight even after the three-time Cy Young Award winner earned his first pro save in a 2-1 victory over San Francisco on Thursday night. Roberts said Scherzer was going to “play catch and get treatment and if says he’s good to go he’ll be our Game 1 starter.” Roberts said his backup plan would be a bullpen game, with Tony Gonsolin one of the pitchers used.

Scherzer was 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA for Washington and Los Angeles during the regular season. He’s pitched 12 1/3 innings over three appearances in the playoffs, allowing two runs and six hits with 16 strikeouts.

Max Fried (freed) moved up as Atlanta’s Game 1 starter after Charlie Morton pitched on short rest in the Braves’ 5-4 clinching win over Milwaukee in the NL Division Series.

MLB-ALCS

Game 2 in Houston is homecoming for Boston pitcher

HOUSTON (AP) — Boston right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (eh-VAHL’-dee) will have a homecoming of sorts when he starts Game 2 of the AL Championship Series Saturday night against the host Astros. Eovaldi grew up in the Houston suburb of Alvin, also home to Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, and visited the Astrodome and Minute Maid Park often growing up.

Rookie Luis Garcia starts for the Astros.

Houston beat Boston 5-4 in the opener Friday night. Carlos Correa slammed a tiebreaking solo homer in the seventh inning. Jose Altuve (al-TOO’-vay) tied the game with a two-run blast and added a sacrifice fly that provided the final margin.

T25 FOOTBALL-SCHEDULE

No. 1 Georgia hosts No. 11 Kentucky…No. 12 Oklahoma State visits No. 25 Texas

UNDATED (AP) — The last two unbeaten teams in the Southeastern Conference square off when No. 1 Georgia hosts No. 11 Kentucky on Saturday.

The Bulldogs rose to the top of the rankings last week when Alabama was upset at Texas A&M 41-38. Kentucky is off to its first 6-0 start since 1950 and is 4-0 in SEC play for the first time since 1977.

The Wildcats are seeking their fourth win all-time against a No. 1-ranked opponent and their first in 14 years since defeating top-ranked LSU in triple overtime in 2007.

The Bulldogs have won 11 straight over Kentucky, their last loss coming in 2009.

In Saturday’s other game matching ranked opponents, No. 12 Oklahoma State brings its run-tough defense to a key Big 12 matchup with No. 25 Texas. The undefeated Cowboys rank No. 12 nationally against the run and will face one of the nation’s top backs in Texas’ Bijan Robinson.

Oklahoma State needs a win to stay on top of the Big 12 standings and prove they deserve that lofty ranking. Texas needs a win to stay on pace for a possible rematch with Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game. Texas freshman receiver Xavier Worthy is turning into huge weapon in the Texas offense with six touchdowns.

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