MLB-ALCS
Royals, Jays start ALCS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) β The Royals and Blue Jays continue their sometimes contentious meetings in the opener of the American League Championship Series tonight. The defending champ Royals are going with Edinson Volquez (VOHL’-kehz), who angered some Blue Jays hitters earlier this season by throwing inside to them. Marco Estrada gets the start for the Blue Jays, who are looking to advance to the World Series for the first time since their last postseason appearance in 1993.
Toronto won four of the seven games between the two during the regular season. The two teams had the best records in the American League during the season.
The Blue Jays head into the series after winning three straight elimination games to beat Texas in the ALDS.
T25-SCHEDULE
Broncos offense battles Aggies defense
UNDATED (AP) β A high-powered offense against a stingy defense. That’s the set-up when No. 21 Boise State takes on Utah State tonight in one of two Top 25 games. The 5-1 Broncos have exploded on offense in the last four games, outscoring opponents 204-24. Boise State’s passing game is top-ranked in the Mountain West and has fueled the surge, led by freshman Brett Rypien (RIH’-pihn). Running back Jeremy McNichols leads the nation with 14 touchdowns.
The 3-2 Aggies have been punishing teams with their defense. They are giving up just 19.2 points and 102.2 yards per game.
First-year coach Tom Herman has No. 24 Houston on a roll heading into tonight’s road game at Tulane. The Cougars are 5-0 and ranked for the first time since 2011. The 2-3 Green Wave have one victory over a Football Bowl Subdivision β winless Central Florida. However, they boast an explosive defense that had 15 plays for negative yardage in a loss to Temple.
NASCAR-KANSAS CITY
Qualifying at Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) β Qualifying is set for later today for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Kansas City. Points leader Joey Logano has to be feeling good about his chances heading into the weekend. He’s coming off a win at Charlotte last week that nailed down a berth in the final round of the Chase playoff series. He also is the defending champ in the race.
NHL-SCHEDULE
Four unbeaten teams in action
UNDATED (AP) β San Jose tries to keep alive an overwhelming start to the NHL season when it visits New Jersey as part of a seven-game NHL schedule.
The Sharks have outscored their opponents 12-1 while running up a 3-0 record. Goalie Martin Jones gave up a goal on the first shot he faced this season. But since then, he has blanked opponents for the following 178 minutes, 11 seconds, including consecutive shutouts.
Pacific Division-leading Vancouver is back home where the Canucks have the only blemish on their record. That was an overtime loss to the Flames on Saturday. Vancouver has won its three other games heading into a meeting with 3-1 St. Louis tonight.
New Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill has the team off to a 3-0 start in his first NHL season. Detroit hosts winless Carolina.
And Minnesota takes a 3-0 record into Los Angeles to take on the 0-3 Kings.
GOLF-FRYS.COM OPEN
Steele has lead
NAPA, Calif. (AP) β Brendan Steele takes a one-shot lead into today’s second round of the Frys.com Open. Jhonattan Vegas starts the day in second place as he attempts to win back his Tour card. Former No. 1 Rory McIlroy opens play five shots off the pace in the first tournament of the PGA Tour’s new season.
LPGA
Ko takes lead
INCHEON, South Korea (AP) β Lydia Ko shot a 7-under 65 to take the lead after the second round of the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship. That put her at 10-under for the two rounds.
Lexi Thompson shot a 67 to trail by one shot.
