LOS ANGELES (AP) β The New York Mets have advanced to the National League Championship Series against the Cubs by rallying for a 3-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLDS in Los Angeles. David Murphy snapped a 2-2 tie with a homer off Zack Greinke (GREHN’-kee) in the sixth inning, lined an RBI double in the first and went from first to third on a walk in the fourth before scoring the tying run. Jacob deGrom worked six laborious innings before Jeurys Familia (jur-EES’ fah-MEEL’-yuh) picked up his first career six-out save.
CHICAGO (AP) β Cubs shortstop Addison Russell will not play in the NL Championship Series because of a strained left hamstring. Manager Joe Maddon also says Jon Lester will start the series opener on Saturday night, followed by Jake Arrieta (ehr-ee-ET’-uh) in Game 2 on Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) β The Atlanta Falcons have fallen from the NFL’s unbeaten ranks with a 31-21 loss at New Orleans. Ben Watson grabbed 10 passes for a career-high 127 yards, including a two-yard TD grab that put the Saints ahead 24-7 late in the third quarter. Mark Ingram ran for two short touchdowns for the 2-4 Saints, and New Orleans’ defense recovered three fumbles, two inside its own 20.
NEW YORK (AP) β NFL side judge Rob Vernatchi has received a one-game suspension from the league for improper clock management during Monday’s game between the Steelers and Chargers at San Diego. Following a touchback with 2:56 remaining, 18 seconds ran off the clock when it should have been stopped. The side judge is in charge of monitoring the game clock.
ST. LOUIS (AP) β St. Louis Rams guard Rodger Saffold will require season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. Saffold was the most experienced player on an offensive line that includes two rookie starters. Veteran Garrett Reynolds takes over as the starter at right guard.
