ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Sloppy defense has put the New York Yankees on the brink of postseason elimination. Four errors and another defensive miscue led to three unearned runs that a lineup missing three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge couldn’t overcome during a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of their AL Division Series. The Yankees are one defeat from falling short of a 28th World Series title for the 17th straight season. Even with likely AL Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler on the mound, the Yankees couldn’t even the best-of-five series against the pesky Rays.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Bijan Robinson has led the Atlanta Falcons to a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints. Robinson rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons won 45-24 on Monday night. Brian Robinson ran for three short touchdowns for the Falcons, who never trailed and controlled the line of scrimmage while outgaining the Saints on the ground, 207 yards to 50. Atlanta continued rolling behind quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has won both of his starts since returning from a knee injury. The Saints commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Superdome's reopening after Hurricane Katrina.
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has suspended a line judge two games for swearing at Arizona tight end Trey McBride. Jeff Seeman was caught on camera cursing at McBride during the Cardinals’ loss at the New York Giants on Sunday. The incident drew the ire of union leader JC Tretter, a retired offensive lineman who played eight seasons. Referee Adrian Hill was also suspended one game for inappropriate behavior in the Miami-Minnesota game. Hill yelled at Eric Wilson and pointed for him to get away after the Vikings linebacker tried to help him to his feet after a collision knocked him over.
The NFL has suspended two officials for inappropriate conduct during Week 4. Line judge Jeff Seeman received a two-game suspension for swearing at Arizona's Trey McBride. Referee Adrian Hill was suspended for one game for unprofessional behavior toward Minnesota's Eric Wilson. These incidents occurred during a week marked by heated exchanges, including Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy cursing at each other. The NFL Players Association has called for officials to be held to the same standards as players. Coaches have expressed disappointment but hope to move past these incidents.
ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale will be fully rested when he is expected to start in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Braves manager Walt Weiss had six relievers combine to give up six hits in Sunday's 3-2 win that tied the series 1-1. Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, is expected to start for the Dodgers. Weiss says getting the Game 2 win in the bullpen game, with Ray Kerr as the opener, and having extra rest for Sale was the “best-case scenario” for the Braves' chances.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Richie Palacios hit a two-run single in a four-run fifth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays took advantage of New York’s sloppy defense, beating Cam Schlittler and the Yankees 5-2 to take a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series. The Rays are one victory from reaching the American League Championship Series. Game 3 in the best-of-five playoff is Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. Ben Rice hit a pair of homers for the Yankees, who are on the verge of elimination — which would extend their drought without a World Series championship to 17 seasons. The small-ball Rays chased Schlittler, the likely AL Cy Young Award winner, in the fifth aided by New York’s defensive miscues.
MONACO (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has announced he will be out for the rest of the year as he continues to deal with an injured knee. Sinner has not played since beating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final in July. He withdrew from the U.S. Open because of a right knee injury. Sinner says that “Me, together with the doctors, have decided that I need a course of treatment for my knee, which means that the 2026 season is officially over. He adds in a video message on Instagram that “I also need to think about my long-term career so I will do everything possible to get back 100%.”Sinner risks losing the No. 1 ranking while he’s out.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Capitals captain and career goal-scoring record holder Alex Ovechkin said this will be his final season in the NHL. Ovechkin said it was important to his family to let his fellow teammates know first. He signed a one-year contract and is playing at age 41 after breaking Wayne Gretzky's career goal-scoring record in April 2025. Ovechkin in his locker room address said it was sad and a hard decision but hopes the Capitals can make the playoffs one final time with him playing. He wanted to make the announcement before the home opener Wednesday.
France has secured a 4-1 win over Belgium in the Nations League and marked Zinedine Zidane's first home victory as coach of the national team. The win in Paris strengthens France's lead in Group A1, three points ahead of Italy. Italy defeated Turkey 3-1 in Bologna. Belgium trails France by four points. Dodi Lukébakio initially put Belgium ahead. France responded with goals from Désiré Doué and Rayan Cherki. Michael Olise added two more to seal the victory. Italy achieved its first home win under Roberto Mancini by defeating Turkey with goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Riccardo Calafiori, and Pio Esposito.
Finals
AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
Final Chicago White Sox 4 Cleveland 3
Final Tampa Bay 5 N.Y. Yankees 2
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Final Tampa Bay 4 Philadelphia 1
Final Ottawa 4 Boston 1
Final Winnipeg 3 Pittsburgh 2
Final Dallas 5 San Jose 0
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Final Atlanta 45 New Orleans 24