Category: Baseball

TODAY’S GAME: With just seven games remaining on their schedule, the Houston Astros (77-78) will play their final home game of the season today as they try to salvage a win in their three-game series vs. the Atlanta Braves (91-64).

Today’s pitching matchup is a good one between Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown (6-3, 3.43 ERA) and Braves veteran LHP Martín Pérez (9-9, 3.07 ERA).

BROTHER BROWN: Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown has posted a 5-2 record and a 3.00 ERA (19ER/57IP) in his last nine starts (since July 25), pitching through the 5th inning in all nine outings. Brown, who finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting last season, has been limited this season, missing over two months due to a lengthy stint on the IL (April 1-June 15) with a right shoulder strain.

THE POSTSEASON CHASE: The Astros and Rangers are locked in a tight race down the stretch for the AL West with the two teams separated by just one game with seven left to play. The Astros own the tiebreaker over the Rangers with a season series victory (9-4 record).

CHALLENGING STRETCH: The Astros are within a stretch of playing 16 of 19 games against opponents with winning records (CWS, ARI, PHI, TB, ATL), going 6-9 so far in those contests. On the season, the Astros are 38-29 against teams with .500 or better records, the fourth-best mark in the Majors, immediately behind the Braves (42-30).

LOS ASTROS: Space City Home Network will televise today’s game in English and Spanish with the Spanish broadcast being televised on SCHN2. Danny Gonzales and Gene Flores will be on the call on the Spanish telecast today.

ROAD WARRIORS: After today’s game, the Astros will hit the road for their final road trip of the season which will take them to Seattle for two games and West Sacramento for four. The Astros have been better on the road (38-37) than at home (39-41) on the season and are 37-28 on the road after their 1-9 start in road games.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: Staked to a 2-0 lead after the 5th, the Astros were unable to hold on in a 6-3 loss to the Braves last night. The offense collected 10 hits on the night, including a combined five by 3B Isaac Paredes (2×3, HR, 2RBI) and 2B Jose Altuve (3×4). RHP Hayden Wesneski (1ER/5.1IP) started for Houston in a no decision.

YESTERDAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros made a pair of moves yesterday, first reinstating IF/OF Brice Matthews from the 60-day IL and designating OF Jorge Barrosa for assignment. Later, just before game time, the Astros recalled RHP Logan VanWey from Triple A Sugar Land and placed RHP Enyel De Los Santos on the 15-day IL with right knee tendonitis.

TWO-OUT MAGIC: The Astros lead the American League in two-out runs with 307 on the season, trailing only the Cubs (324) in the Majors. 3B Isaac Paredes has led this effort, as he leads the Majors with 44 two-out RBI, immediately ahead of second-place 1B Alec Burleson (43).

STRONG SEPTEMBERS: 3B Isaac Paredes has a .986 OPS this month to go along with a team-leading 17 RBI, which ranks second in the AL. C Yainer Diaz is also having a strong September, as he’s hitting .346 (18×52) with two homers, six RBI and a .901 OPS in 16 games (13 starts) this month.

TRIPLE THREAT: DH Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently ranks first or second in the AL in all three Triple Crown categories. He enters today leading the AL in batting avg. (.312), while ranking second in HR (40) and RBI (99). Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.026), SLG (.597) and OBP (.429). Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).

FOR THREE!: 2B Jose Altuve went 3×4 last night for his 226th career three-hit game, which is the Astros franchise record. He surpassed Hall of Famer 2B Craig Biggio (225 three-hit games) with last night’s performance.

THE FIREMAN: LHP Josh Hader has converted 26 consecutive save chances to open his season, which is the Astros record. Should Hader finish the season without a blown save, he would become the seventh pitcher in MLB history to post 26-plus saves without a blown save. The last Major Leaguer to do so was RHP Ken Giles in 2018 (26 SV).

RACKING UP K’S: RHP Bryan Abreu has posted 527 career strikeouts, which ranks fourth among relievers in Astros history. He’s closing in on third-place RHP Dave Smith (529), needing only two strikeouts to match the Astros reliever from the 1980s. LHP Billy Wagner (694) and RHP Brad Lidge (557) sit atop that all-time list.

ASTROS MILB PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: The five Astros prospects that won organizational awards this season will be recognized in a pregame ceremony at today’s game. Those are the Astros Minor League Player of the Year C Jason Schiavone, the Astros Minor League Pitcher of the Year RHP Bryce Mayer, the Astros Minor League Baserunner of the Year OF Anthony Huezo, the Astros Minor League Defender of the Year IF Max Holy, and the Astros Standard Award recipient IF Yamal Encarnacion.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2007 – Rookie C J.R. Towles, who was playing in just his sixth MLB game, sets a franchise record by tallying eight RBI in an 18-1 Astros win in St. Louis. Towles finished his night 4×4 with two doubles and a home run. This record stood alone for 12 years before being matched by 1B Yuli Gurriel on Aug. 7, 2019 vs. COL.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, September 20, 1:10 p.m. CT

Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: SCHN, SCHN2 (Spanish)

Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

Keep going.

⚾️: 1:10 PM
🏟️: Closed
📺: @SpaceCityHN & SCHN2
🎙️: @SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 102.9 HD2#ChaseTheFight x @reliantenergypic.twitter.com/h9zDLM4Mvj

— Houston Astros (@astros) September 20, 2026

A win today wins the East.#BravesCountrypic.twitter.com/vb9bOgoaOR

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 20, 2026

Go Rays!

Legendary Mets radio voice Howie Rose, sporting a striped blue-and-orange tie, spoke to the press ahead of New York's final home game of the 2026 season against the Philadelphia Phillies.

In the team's win on Saturday, Rose - who announced his upcoming retirement in March - signed off for what may be the final time, given Sunday's inclement weather.

"First of all, I just want to thank the Mets organization for honoring me," he began. "They were adamant about wanting to reschedule this ceremony for the opening weekend of next year, and I'm so flattered by that."

"There are so many emotions involved, running around inside me right now," Rose admitted. "There's a certain melancholy about reaching the end of a career, but God-willing, we'll all reconvene here next year, and it'll be a party!"

Rose took the time to acknowledge the seminal figures who made his incredible career journey possible.

"There are three people I want to recognize as the reason that I'm here: My wife Barbara, my daughter Alyssa, and my daughter Chelsea," before pausing so the trio could receive applause from the packed press room. "I would not be here today without their indulgence, their support, and their love."

He also recognized the role his two siblings - his sister, Debbie, and his brother, Bruce - played in his life.

"My eternal gratitude is for everyone connected with the New York Mets," he continued, calling out interim manager Andy Green from the crowd in attendance to thank him for his hard work during these last few months.

Rose also thanked former Mets and Yankees manager Joe Torre, who encouraged a younger Rose to embrace the emotions of the game and channel them into his commentary.

Howie Rose is featured on the Home Run Apple at Citi Field today 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/f7kk0LyAIL

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 20, 2026

As with any baseball radio commentator worth their salt, Rose loves to tell stories to engage with the audience, and he shared a special one which was quite fitting for the occasion.

"There's some ironic symmetry to how this has worked out today, because the New York Mets were scheduled to play their very first game in the National League on April 10th, 1962, in St. Louis," Rose explained. "Y'know what happened? It was raining, and a whole bunch of [Mets players] got stuck in the hotel elevator on the way downstairs to the lobby."

"It took a long time for the players to get to the ballpark, and once they got there, the game was postponed, so all I would offer as a suggestion for everybody today is to take the steps," he smiled as the room erupted into laughter.

Rose is a New Yorker through and through, having been born and raised in Brooklyn before attending high school and college in Queens. That certainly impacted his sports fandom - and by extension, his career aspirations - from a young age.

"I always wanted to work for a team in New York, a team that I love, and I had the opportunity to work for two of them - the Mets and Rangers, two teams which controlled my mood growing up," said Rose.

"In retrospect, I really did feel that if I was working in New York, I didn't care about working anywhere else," he declared. "If someone had told me about my career when I was age 15, sitting in the upper deck of Shea Stadium, I wouldn't have believed it. The wildest fiction writer couldn't have come up with it. I am very, very, very blessed."

While Rose is excited with the free time retirement will bring, he admits that stepping away from the microphone isn't easy.

"I'm going to miss everything about it, because this is really all I know how to do." he chuckled, before switching gears to commend the foundational role that radio occupies in the sports media landscape. "Radio is the most intimate medium. You have to call, to craft, to describe. To me, that's the greatest challenge in sports broadcasting, painting that picture."

Rose was asked how he wanted Mets fans to remember him, a question that clearly meant a lot to him.

"As one of them," he responded after he gave it some thought. "We have the same sensibilities and same understanding of what the ballclub has meant to us. I was just the lucky one that got out of the upper deck and into the broadcast booth."

All in all, it was clear that Rose hoped to have the opportunity to be on the call one final time on Sunday afternoon.

His parting words from the podium?

"Let's hope we get a game in!"

Happy Sunday, folks. Given the results around the league last night, it appears that the Red Sox’s magic number to clinch the postseason is down to one. The Rangers can get to 85 wins, while the Astros can get to 84. If the Rangers were to get to 85 wins, they’d clinch the American League West. If they sit at 84, the Red Sox own that tiebreaker. The Astros hold the tiebreaker over the Red Sox, so if Boston were to lose its final seven and Houston were to win its final 7, the Red Sox would trail them in the standings. That’s not accounting for the third and final spot, but I won’t try to litigate that.

Long story short, win one game, and you’ve got yourself a Wild Card spot. It’s that simple. Except it’s not, because Patrick Sandoval is scheduled to pitch today, and he’s not very good. The Rays are throwing Griffin Jax, who has a 3.40 ERA since moving to the rotation, but has struggled against the Red Sox in two starts this season. Most recently, he allowed 7 earned runs in five innings.

With the Patriots on today and a questionable pitching matchup, I’m not expecting a lot of eyes on the Red Sox this afternoon. Winning your way into the postseason is always fun, however, so let’s hope we can get that celebration in Tampa tonight. If not, the Red Sox will return home to Fenway for their final homestand of the regular season on Tuesday.

First pitch at 1:40 pm on NESN and WEEI.

Lineups

Wrapping up the road trip. pic.twitter.com/2WDnnTseRa

— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 20, 2026

Regular season home finale

👀: https://t.co/FG0urYVWGJ
👂: 95.7 WDAE pic.twitter.com/IZydujFxCh

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 20, 2026

Today is the final road game of the season for the Royals, it is also the penultimate Sunday game of the season. The Royals have dropped the first two games of the series in Pittsburgh, due to the bullpen giving up leads.

Michael Wacha starts today for the Royals. Here is the lineup that will be behind him.

Taking the field for our road finale. pic.twitter.com/pOkBwZYdTL

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 20, 2026

The Pirates are 78-77 on the season; they are winners of three straight contests. Lake Bachar is the opener today. He pitched one inning in last night’s contests, a 1-2-3 inning, with a pair of strikeouts.

Here is the Pirates lineup for today.

156/162.

📺 @SNPittsburgh
📻 @937theFanpic.twitter.com/lz49m0VAEn

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 20, 2026

First pitch is set for 12:35 p.m. CT. The Royals are off tomorrow, before starting a 3-game series with the White Sox at home. Next weekend, they conclude the 2026 season playing the Cleveland Guardians.

Join us and discuss today’s game in the comments below!

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, September 20, 2:10 p.m. ET

Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, Los Bravos

1902
Nixey Callahan threw the first no-hitter in White Sox history, as he beat the Tigers. It was just the second no-hitter in American League history.

The Sox gave him all the runs he needed by scoring three in the first inning, as the Sox won it, 3-0, in Chicago. The Tigers got one runner as far as third base, but that was it for the afternoon. Callahan walked two batters on the day; the Tigers got just one runner as far as third base.

Callahan was a two-way player for a good chunk of his career (1897-03). So at the time of this no-hitter in the 1902 season, he pitched in 35 games (0.9 WAR) and played outfield in 23 others (-0.2 WAR). By 1903, he’d shift more or less full time to … third base … and put up a 3.0 WAR season.

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1905
With White Sox Spring Training having made the move from Marlin Springs, Texas to New Orleans, owner Charles Comiskey ordered a houseboat built to both house and transport the team. The South Siders trained in New Orleans for just two years (1905-06) before moving on to the more land-locked Mexico City for spring training in 1907.

The White Sox have held spring training in 25 different locations in their history, but just four over the past 68 years: Tampa and Sarasota, Fla., and Tucson and Glendale, Ariz.

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1908
White Sox pitcher Frank Smith tossed his second career no-hitter, beating the Philadelphia A’s, 1-0, in Chicago. The Sox scored in the ninth inning to win the game, with the run driven in by shortstop Freddy Parent.

Smith pitched that day with the little finger of his hand being stiff and sore from trying to stop a hot shot against Cleveland in his previous start.

September 20 is the only day in franchise history where multiple no-hitters have been thrown (1902 and 1908).  

Also on this day, Zeke Bonura was born, in New Orleans. The legendary character was the Texas League MVP in 1933 and burst into MLB with a 3.6 WAR for the 1934 White Sox, during which he set franchise records with 27 homers and 138 runs (27 HRs remained the White Sox rookie record for 49 years, the RBI mark for 65). Quite simply, Bonura was one of the dominant hitters of the 1930s.

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1910
Rookie hurler Frank Lange had a game for the ages, winning 3-0 over the New York Highlanders. He recorded a 94 game score (tied for 22nd all-time in franchise history) that ended a White Sox run of three straight shutout wins. In the process, Lange set a rookie record of 13 strikeouts that stood alone for 83 years (Jason Bere tying Lange on Sept. 8, 1993). The righthander also helped his own cause, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs in the game.

Lange’s triumph came in the middle of a nine-game winning streak and a run of 11 of 12 for the White Sox. In fact, the terrible 1910 season was almost redeemed by its final weeks: On September 13, the club was in seventh in the AL, at 51-80, but went 17-5 to end the season in sixth, with a 68-85 overall record. A minor improvement, perhaps; but given the glorious decade to come (eight of 10 winning years), perhaps it was an appropriate finish.

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1993
Lance Johnson’s two-out triple in the top of the ninth doubled Chicago’s lead from 4-2 to 6-2 and stood as the biggest play (13% WPA) of an eventual 10-2 White Sox win at California. But it also gave Johnson 14 triples on the season, retaking the MLB lead from teammate Joey Cora. Neither player would hit another triple in 1993, giving One Dog the crown.

Johnson’s triples title made him just the third player ever to lead the AL in triples for three straight years, and fourth ever to lead his league in three-baggers. He’d duplicate the effort in 1994 with an MLB-leading 14 triples, giving him four straight seasons as a leader, something that has never been done before or since. In fact, if not for missing the 1995 triples title by one (Kenny Lofton of Cleveland bested him, 13-12), Johnson would have led his league in triples for SIX straight seasons — he hit an MLB-best 21 for the New York Mets in 1996!

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2005
With the White Sox struggling through eight losses in 11 games — the worst slump of what would become a rare, wire-to-wire first-place season — Joe Crede slugged a leadoff homer in the bottom of the 10th for a sayonara shot that upended second-place Cleveland, 7-6.

The White Sox had the game in hand, but rookie Bobby Jenks blew the second save of his career in the ninth, furthering the trend of the club over the past 13 days, as Cleveland shaved SIX games off of a once 9 1⁄2-game lead in the AL Central.

Chicago wasn’t out of the woods yet, as over the next few days Cleveland would trim the division lead to 1 1⁄2 games; a late kick saw the White Sox swell the lead back to its final six games, including an end-of-season sweep of the Tribe that knocked them out of the playoffs entirely. Combining the five-game winning streak to end the regular season with the 11-1 run in the playoffs, the White Sox ended 2005 winning 16 of 17 games.

The homer was Crede’s second of the contest, capping a 3-for-5, three-RBI day.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 20, 2026, 1:35 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the Kansas City Royals in the season finale for a three-game set at PNC Park.

The Royals are handing the ball off to 14-year veteran Michael Wacha, who became an All-Star for just the second time in his career and for the first time since 2015 this season with the St. Louis Cardinals. This is his 31st start of the year for Kansas City.

In his last start, against the Houston Astros on September 15, he went six innings, gave up four hits and four runs, and had a 3.34 ERA in a 4-2 loss at Daikin Park. This marks Wacha’s 20th appearance against the Pirates throughout his career. In his career, he is 8-3 with a 3.59 ERA against the Bucs.

The Pirates are handing the ball off to Lake Bachar, who was the opener in Tuesday’s loss against the Milwaukee Brewers. Bachar pitched two innings, giving up three hits and one earned run in a 5-1 loss to the NL Central leader. With Bachar getting the start, the Pirates will utilize their bullpen to get them through today’s game.

With just a week left in the season, many players have a lot to prove as the organization evaluates everybody going into the offseason.

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Michael Wacha (9-9, 3.34 ERA) vs. Lake Bachar (1-4, 3.54 ERA)

BD community, this is your game thread against the Kansas City Royals. Chime off in the comments section below.

What we learned from Dave Dombrowski as pitching picture shifts, Phillies win originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

QUEENS, N.Y. — The Phillies have spent most of this season trying to build a reliable bridge to Jhoan Duran.

With a week remaining in the season, that bridge is still missing pieces.

Brad Keller’s season unraveled in June before a torn UCL ended it in July. Jonathan Bowlan eventually settled into a setup role, but his results slipped over the last month before right groin tightness took him out of the bullpen.

Orion Kerkering never filled the opening as expected. His command regressed, his signature sweeper became less reliable and his struggles reached a point where the Phillies optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Interim manager Don Mattingly described how difficult it had become to find spots for Kerkering.

“You can’t use him in a down game,” Mattingly said. “You can, but you think in a down game you’d like to be able to say, ‘We can hold it close and maybe something good happens.’ If you’re up in that same situation, it’s uncomfortable as well.

“I felt like he kind of had lost confidence and just needed that to be able to try to right the ship.”

Kerkering will report to the Phillies’ “stay-hot” camp in the Lehigh Valley, which begins Thursday. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the right-hander needed a chance to step away from the immediate pressure of a postseason race.

“It looks like he needs a break to get away from here himself,” Dombrowski said in the dugout ahead of the Phillies’ 7-2 win over the Mets at Citi Field. “Sometimes you need to step away. Just like a hitter, sometimes you need to step away.”

The Phillies could still bring Kerkering back if an injury creates an opening on a potential postseason roster. For now, however, they need to determine how to cover the innings directly in front of them.

“We need to straighten it out,” Dombrowski said. “But there’s a lot of different ways we can straighten it out.”

The most interesting solutions might come from outside the bullpen itself.

THE BIG NEWS

Jesús Luzardo played catch Sunday for the first time since Friday, Sept. 11, when he last threw in Atlanta before being scratched from his scheduled start because of left shoulder inflammation.

He came out of it feeling good.

“Obviously, positive signs with him,” Mattingly said. “He’s felt better and better. The last couple days, his range of motion was back. There was no more stiffness. Then the doctor basically had to say, ‘Hey, start playing catch.’

“So that’s where we’re at. It’s been positive with him.”

Dombrowski offered an equally encouraging assessment.

“Very optimistic,” he said. “That’s all I can really say at this point, but very optimistic.”

There are still checkpoints ahead.

Luzardo has only taken the first step of his throwing progression. The Phillies do not yet know when he will advance to a mound, how quickly he can build back up or how much time will remain once he does.

They also have not decided what his role would be if he returns.

Starter and reliever both remain possible.

“We haven’t even sat down and discussed it,” Dombrowski said. “We basically have been focused on making the playoffs.”

That uncertainty could eventually give the Phillies another answer for their most persistent pitching problem.

Luzardo would carry more value as a starter over a longer postseason series. But if the Phillies reach a three-game Wild Card Series, they would only need three starters.

That means at least one starter would have to shift roles.

“Some of our starters are going to end up in the bullpen,” Dombrowski said. “I don’t know how it’s going to work at this point, but some of them will.

“Especially when you get to the first round, we’re going to be in a best-of-three. You only can start three guys at that point. So you’ve got two other guys that can go into the bullpen depending on what happens.”

PAINTER IN PLAY

Andrew Painter could be another one of those pitchers.

Mattingly said Sunday that the Phillies would like to get Painter some work out of the bullpen before the regular season ends if the schedule gives them an opportunity.

The rookie has started throughout his professional career, but his fastball could give the Phillies a different look in shorter bursts.

Painter struck out seven Mets on Saturday and reached 99.4 mph. He also allowed four runs on two homers, continuing an uneven rookie season in which his best stuff has often appeared alongside costly mistakes.

Dombrowski still came away impressed.

“I can’t say if it’ll play up. It was playing up pretty good yesterday,” he said. “That was about as good of stuff — it’s unfortunate he gave up four runs — but that was some pretty good stuff yesterday.

“I think his stuff would be very solid out there if we decide to go in that direction.”

The Phillies have reason to explore it.

Their relievers have combined for a major-league-worst 5.26 ERA from the fifth through seventh innings. Duran has posted a 1.76 ERA with 32 saves, but Philadelphia has repeatedly struggled to get a lead into his hands.

Mattingly has considered using one of his trusted relievers earlier to stop games from turning. The problem is what that would leave behind him.

“It makes me think about it,” Mattingly said. “But then I also think about who’s pitching the eighth or seventh to get to that part, too.

“You’ve got to get there.”

Painter could provide multiple innings. Luzardo might eventually offer the same. Nestor Cortes is building toward a possible role, while Bowlan continues working back from his groin injury.

The Phillies are searching for any combination that can keep a close game from getting away.

THE ROTATION CREATES OPTIONS

Aaron Nola’s resurgence could make that search easier.

The longest-tenured Phillie owns a 1.66 ERA over his last seven starts and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight straight.

If the Phillies can line up their rotation, Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez would likely handle the first two games of a Wild Card Series. Nola’s recent form gives them a trusted option for a possible Game 3.

That could give the Phillies more freedom with Painter and, depending on his health, Luzardo.

One or both could become a bridge to the late innings rather than waiting for a start that may never come in a short series.

Dombrowski is not ready to make those decisions yet. He wants the Phillies to clinch first, then determine how the remaining schedule allows them to align their starters.

But the strength of the rotation gives the club options its current bullpen does not.

“One of our strengths is our starting rotation, especially the top of it,” Dombrowski said. “I sure would hope that we can go into any postseason with them intact to pitch.

“But we still have to make the playoffs. That’s the most important thing.”

SÁNCHEZ PROVIDES ENCOURAGEMENT

Sánchez then offered the type of outing Sunday that makes the entire picture easier to imagine.

The left-hander entered having allowed at least four runs in three of his previous five starts. Against the Mets, he looked much closer to the pitcher who has anchored the Phillies’ rotation throughout the season.

Sánchez attacked the strike zone, worked efficiently and kept New York off balance with a much sharper changeup.

The lone damage through six innings came on a solo homer by Bo Bichette.

Sánchez finished 6 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. His season ERA sits at 2.93, and he’s now beyond 200 innings and strikeouts each.

He was not happy with the interim skipper when he was taken out of the ballgame, though.

It was a needed response with Sánchez likely in line to make his final regular-season start against the Rays next weekend. That schedule could allow him to pitch Game 2 of a Wild Card Series on regular rest, with Wheeler receiving an additional day before a potential Game 1.

The Phillies gave Sánchez an early lead against Mets right-hander Jonah Tong.

Kyle Schwarber walked in the first before the Phillies filled the bases. Luis Arraez lifted a sacrifice fly and Alec Bohm followed with a run-scoring single.

Schwarber walked again in the third. Trea Turner doubled him home before Arraez added another RBI hit, extending the lead to 4-0.

The Phillies held on from there for a 4-2 win.

Their magic number is now three, putting them in position to clinch as early as Tuesday against Milwaukee.

CORTES CONTINUES BUILDING

Cortes is another name moving closer to the conversation.

The veteran left-hander threw three scoreless innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, striking out three without issuing a walk.

“He’s building,” Mattingly said Saturday. “He’s heading in the direction that it’s possible we might be able to use him.”

Cortes is eligible for the postseason and could provide length or a different look from the left side. The Phillies already have Tanner Banks built up for multiple innings, while Tim Mayza has also provided length when needed.

Bowlan’s progress could help, too. Dombrowski said the right-hander threw from approximately 90 feet Sunday and felt good afterward.

None of those options provides a simple fix on its own.

Together, they could give the Phillies enough pieces to create a bullpen that looks much different once October begins.

“Duran is still as good as anybody in the league,” Dombrowski said. “McFarlane’s been very good. Alvarado’s been throwing better. Mayza’s actually done a pretty good job on a consistent basis.

“We have to be better in the bullpen. That’s obvious. But we think we have the ability to do that.”

This felt like a game that the San Diego Padres typically have no business winning. That said, in the last week, this team has pulled off some miraculous comebacks. They did so again tonight, rallying back from a 5-1 deficit to lead by a run going into the ninth inning. Closer Mason Miller was tasked with recording five outs, and did, but not without surrendering the game-tying home run.

That set the stage for some fireworks in the 10th, with David Morgan striking out the first two batters before inducing a lineout to end the inning. With Jake Cronenworth taking third base on a wild pitch, San Diego’s top prospect, Ethan Salas, came up to the dish with one goal: put the ball in play. He did more than that, lining an 0-2 four-seamer into center field for a walk-off.

In doing so, Salas (20 years, 110 days) became the youngest player to walk off a game since Manny Machado did so in 2012 (20 years, 69 days). The Padres’ magic number falls to three after the Arizona Diamondbacks walked off the New York Yankees. They’ll go for the sweep over the Miami Marlins today, with the opportunity to take the top spot in the NL Wild Card should the Chicago Cubs lose.

Taking the mound

Sandy Alcantara (MIA) v. Walker Buehler (SD)

Alcantara has been incredibly durable for Miami this season, pitching 206 innings with a 3.84 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Both are solid marks for the right-hander, though neither is earth-shattering. Both are a far cry from Alcantara’s past self, in which he won the NL Cy Young in 2022. His strikeout numbers are way down, with 149 this season, but he’s still managed to get outs.

The problem is that Alcantara has struggled massively lately. In his last seven appearances, the righty owns a 5.86 ERA. Much of that came when he surrendered seven runs to the New York Mets in just 4 1/3 innings pitched. Most of that damage came from Alcantara surrendering three home runs to New York. If San Diego can do the same, break out the brooms.

It’s hard not to say this every single time, but Buehler has truly been one of the most valuable pitchers that San Diego has. Apart from Michael King, no pitcher has been as valuable. They say the best ability is availability and that is what Buehler has been. He’s hurled 143 1/3 innings for the Friars to a 4.58 ERA, though that number doesn’t do him justice.

Down the stretch, Buehler has looked fantastic, pitching to a 3.09 ERA in his last seven starts. Since July 21, the veteran righty hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his appearances. He’s given up two or fewer in all but two of those 11 starts. He’ll look to continue that stretch of success against Miami’s lineup this afternoon.

Batter up!

San Diego’s offense has been ridiculous lately. In nine of their last 10 games, the Padres have scored six or more runs. They’ve scored seven or more in eight of those contests. It’s no longer a small sample size. The lineup has been firing on all cylinders and will look to continue that dominance into October.

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2. Dustin Harris, LF
3. Manny Machado, 3B
4. Ty France, 1B
5. Jackson Merrill, CF
6. Austin Hays, DH
7. Xander Bogaerts, SS
8. Luis Campusano, C
9. Jake Cronenworth, 2B

Bogaerts will likely return to the lineup after his off day on Saturday night. In 14 career at-bats versus Alcantara, the veteran short owns a ridiculous .429 batting average with a 1.072 OPS. The only one on the Padres to beat that is Machado. He’s batted .600 against the Marlins’ starter with a 1.334 OPS in 15 at-bats.

Relief corps

With the game going into the 10th, and starter Casey Mize getting through just three innings, the Friars needed six pitchers to finish out the game. Randy Vásquez covered two frames before Bradgley Rodrigeuez, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, Miller and Morgan covered the final five innings.

That leaves San Diego with slim pickings for the series finale. Going solely off of who’s readily available, the Padres only have Griffin Canning, Kyle Hart and Wandy Peralta available. All three are low leverage options, meaning the Friars will be somewhat reliant on Buehler to shove this afternoon.

Mets lineup

1. Francisco Lindor – SS
2. Juan Soto – LF
3. Bo Bichette – 3B
4. Mark Vientos – 1B
5. Carson Benge – RF
6. Marcus Semien – 2B
7. Francisco Alvarez – DH
8. Nick Morabito – CF
9. Luis Torrens – C

SP: Jonah Tong – RHP

Phillies lineup

1. Kyle Schwarber – DH
2. Trea Turner – SS
3. Bryce Harper – RF
4. Luis Arraez – 2B
5. Alec Bohm – 1B
6. Bryson Stott – 3B
7. Brandon Marsh – LF
8. J.T. Realmuto – C
9. Justin Crawford – CF

SP: C. Sanchez – LHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 1:10 pm EDT
TV: WPIX
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

After a couple of bullpen-fueled losses, the Phillies will attempt to salvage a split in their series against the New York Mets on Sunday afternoon.

Cristopher Sanchez will start for the Phillies, and Phillies fans will hope he looks better than in his last two starts when he’s given up 11 runs in 11.1 innings.

Sunday in NYC#RingTheBellpic.twitter.com/3IPquLlK85

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 20, 2026

The Mets will go with Jonah Tong. The rookie righthander has a 3.43 ERA in five appearances split between the rotation and bullpen.

One more at @CitiField!@Novig | #LGMpic.twitter.com/njoE7vGpG1

— New York Mets (@Mets) September 20, 2026

Game time is 1:10 PM and will be televised locally by NBCSP.

Sunday notes…

• SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE, AGAIN: This is the 24th of the Cubs’ 51 series in which they have split the first two games. There was no third game in one series. In the others, the Cubs are 10-12 overall and 6-7 on the road. They ae 6-6 after losing, then winning, including 5-2 on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• THE DIFFERENCE IS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY: The Cubs are only 33-33 in day games, compared to 53-36 at night. They are 10-17 in day games on the road, but 8-9 in day games on the road following night games. The Cubs have finished with a losing record in day games only once in the last 10 full seasons: 2021, at 32-39. They were 33-41 in 2014. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• KEEPING THE BALL IN THE YARD: Cubs pitchers have not allowed a home run in the last three games — their longest homer-free streak of the season! They had had back-to-back games five times before: March 31-April 1, April 7-8, May 30-31, July 24-25 and July 28-29. They had played 44 games from July 30 through last Tuesday without going two games again. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• WALK WATCH: The Cubs drew three walks Saturday, giving them a season total of 650. They need seven more to break the franchise record of 656, which was set in 2016.
• RUN WATCH: The five runs the Cubs scored Saturday gave them 826 for the season, or 5.33 per game. If they continue at this pace for the seven remaining games, they will score 863 runs, which would be the most for any Cubs team since 1930.

Cubs lineup:

Sunday baseball coming your way!

Watch the game live on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/r1fzhW7UV4

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 20, 2026

Reds lineup:

Series finale at GABP.

Powered by @PNCBankpic.twitter.com/aD1ZJWz4lX

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 20, 2026

David Peterson, LHP vs. Rhett Lowder, RHP

David Peterson’s last two starts were very good — just two runs allowed in 10.2 innings, with 11 strikeouts.

He also threw well against the Reds Aug. 28 at Wrigley Field, allowing two runs in five innings. Then the bullpen came in and made a mess of things, so don’t click on that boxscore link. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Peterson also faced the Reds twice this year as a member of the Mets, one start and one multi-inning relief appearance. Don’t look at those, either. Hopefully, today will be better.

Rhett Lowder was Peterson’s opponent in that Aug. 28 game. The Cubs scored three runs in five innings off him, including a home run by Michael Busch.

Since then, in three September starts Lowder has an ERA of 11.68 and a 2.108 WHIP and… bring your bats, Cubs hitters.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Great American Ball Park.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Reds site Red Reporter. If you do go there to interact with Reds fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Team News

Walk-off! Smith extends D-backs’ celebration after ceremony for ’01 champshttps://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/pavin-smith-hits-walk-off-home-run-in-d-backs-win-vs-yankees

Pavin Smith walks off Yankees, Diamondbacks stay in wild card racehttps://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2026/09/19/yankees-diamondbacks-updates-torey-lovullo-status/91827139007/

Diamondbacks’ Pavin Smith walks off Yankees on 2001 World Series celebration nighthttps://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/diamondbacks-pavin-smith-walks-off-yankees-on-2001-world-series-celebration-night

’01 champs raise trophy again — and bring out the fanboy in current D-backhttps://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/diamondbacks-hold-ceremony-for-2001-world-series-champs

2001 Diamondbacks champions to reunite at Chase Field on Saturdayhttps://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/2001-diamondbacks-champions-to-reunite-at-chase-field-on-saturday

D-backs Honor 2001 World Series Team With Walk-Off Win Over Yankeeshttps://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/diamondbacks-2001-world-series-walk-off-win-yankees

Take a trip down Memory Lane…

Narrated by Greg Schulte pic.twitter.com/C7gafqzpJA

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 19, 2026

HONK YOUR HORNS!! STOMP YOUR FEET!! pic.twitter.com/jWRPvxJoKX

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 20, 2026

Pitcher hit a backflip after sending the Amarillo Sod Poodles to the Texas League Championship Series pic.twitter.com/Xku9tCR1oX

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 19, 2026

Anything Goes

This day in history:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/september-20

This day in baseball:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/September_20

Human fetuses will grow full body hair between 4-5 months.

Now, that’s one of the crazy facts that paint a horrible picture. However, babies remain “cute” and relatively hairless because they shed this hair in the womb before birth. 

Cat jaws cannot be moved sideways.

They are mainly built for killing prey and can open very wide to ensure their kill. Cats also cannot easily chew their food. 

The tin can was patented by Peter Durand in 1810.

Peter Durand is the first person to patent the idea of preserving food in cans. He was granted a patent by King George III which later proved to be of great use. 

Texas Rangers lineup for September 20, 2026 against the Toronto Blue Jays: starting pitchers are Jacob deGrom for the Rangers and Spencer Miles for the Jays.

The Rangers are trying to sweep a series for the first time in almost three months, when they took four games in Toronto against these same Blue Jays. Corey Seager is back at DH, which is good news for all you Nicky Lopez fans.

The lineup:

Langford — LF

Seager — DH

Jung — 3B

Duran — SS

Nimmo — RF

Burger — 1B

Lopez — 2B

Jansen — C

Carter — CF

1:35 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -169 favorites.