One of the most encouraging aspects for the Nationals through the first one-third of the schedule has been despite the fact that most of their lineup has struggled to find a consistent rhythm, they are in first place.

Jason Kipnis got there first. The Indians second baseman sprinted from the dugout, ran across the infield and jumped into the arms of Yan Gomes, knocking the catcher to the grass. A dogpile soon formed atop Gomes as the celebration continued. Gomes needed this type of moment, but so did the Indians.

Two MLB legends in their heyday.

Giants right fielder Hunter Pence tried to remain upbeat after reinjuring his troublesome right hamstring Wednesday night, but manager Bruce Bochy sounded resigned to losing the offensive dynamo to the 15-day disabled list.

Already dealing with an injury-depleted rotation, the Dodgers now have another hurdle to clear, as Alex Wood has been shelved for at least four weeks.

Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria ripped a two-out double to left-center field off Pirates setup man Tony Watson, driving in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning as the Marlins beat the Bucs, 3-2, on Wednesday night at Marlins Park.

Kat Heintzelman hoped for the hug. The home run would simply be a bonus. Both of the requests were incredibly answered Monday by Indians first basmen Mike Napoli, who continued to serve as a distraction Wednesday for her daunting road ahead.

Tigers rookie Michael Fulmer carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and helped his club avoid a sweep at Angel Stadium on Wednesday, leading Detroit to a 3-0 victory in the series finale.

After homering three times against the Orioles on Tuesday, Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts authored a worthy follow-up performance in Wednesday night’s 13-9 loss at Camden Yards.

As tall as normal, but maybe a little thinner, Craig Sager strode to the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field. He was dressed to the nines, as usual.

Welcome to DraftKings fantasy baseball, the Official Daily Fantasy Game of Major League Baseball. The players listed within this article could provide difference-making stats for DraftKings participants on Thursday.

You can bet(ts) on Mookie.

Kenta Maeda is still having some issues with his pitching hand and will not make his next scheduled start, which was supposed to be on Thursday at Wrigley Field.

Officially, Trayce Thompson is keeping his pick to win the NBA Finals to himself, just as he did last year, when his brother, Klay, won a championship with the Golden State Warriors.”But I think [people] know who I’ll be rooting for,” said Thompson.

Danny Valencia went 3-for-4 and Sean Manaea struck out a career-high eight batters as the A’s swept the Twins in a 5-1 win on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to five games.

In improbable fashion, White Sox relief pitcher Matt Albers belted a double into the left-center-field gap and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Jose Abreu to provide the go-ahead run in Chicago’s 2-1 13-inning victory over the Mets on Wednesday at Citi Field.

And his slide was, um, something.