Author: Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY

Didi Gregorius hit a grand slam in the third inning to lead the Yankees rout over the Twins in Game 2 of the ALDS.

In one of baseball’s most inspiring stories, Twins rookie Randy Dobnak will start Game 2 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees.

The Yankees handed the Twins their 14th straight postseason loss, a major league record, to take a 1-0 lead in the ALDS.

The Twins are playing the Yankees for the sixth time in the postseason since 2003. In the previous five meetings, the Yankees eliminated the Twins.

CC Sabathia, for the first time since his arrival as a free agent in 2009, is not on the Yankees’ playoff roster because of a shoulder injury.

St. Louis’ young right-hander put the team on his back in the second half, and will take center stage in his first postseason.

The Los Angeles Angels fired Brad Ausmus after one season, but Joe Maddon’s return to the franchise is not imminent with other jobs opening up.

The Los Angeles Angels, who lost 90 games, will be looking for their third manager in 12 months after firing Brad Ausmus after one season.

The Cardinals had missed out on the postseason the past three years, but clinched the NL Central on the final day of the season.