PAUL NEWBERRY

AP National Writer
Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. reacts after flying out with bases loaded during the seventh inning of Game 4 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The 2020s are starting to feel like the 1990s for the Braves after another playoff flop
The 2020s are starting to feel like the 1990s for the Atlanta Braves. Another dazzling regular season. Another flop in the postseason.
 
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Yennier Cano stands in the dugout after the Texas Rangers defeated the Orioles in Game 3 of a baseball AL Division Series on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Column: MLB’s playoff format is penalizing top seeds with all that time off
The Baltimore Orioles won an AL-leading 101 games during the regular season. The Los Angeles Dodgers also reached triple digits in victories. Those impressive accomplishments earned both teams a bye in the opening round of the playoffs.
 
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) reacts to getting the final out by forcing out Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper (3) on a fly ball in the nineth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Braves won 5-4. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Braves rally for 5-4 win over Phillies on d’Arnaud, Riley homers and game-ending double play
After being held hitless into the sixth inning, the Atlanta Braves rallied for an improbable 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies to even the NL Division Series at one win apiece.
 
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering (50) works against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Orion Kerkering rising for the Phillies in NLDS after amazing climb through minors
Six months ago, Orion Kerkering was pitching before a few thousand fans in the Florida State League. Now, on baseball’s biggest stage, he’s tossing crucial innings out of the bullpen for the Philadelphia Phillies.
 
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) celebrates hitting a solo homer against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Harper homers, Phillies shut down slugging Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of NLDS
Bryce Harper homered, Ranger Suárez and the Philadelphia bullpen stifled baseball’s most prolific offense, and the Phillies blanked the 104-win Atlanta Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of the NL Division Series.
 
FILE - Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jim Poole, center, poses for a photo with his wife, Kim Poole, left, and their son Hayden Poole, prior to a baseball game between the Orioles and the Seattle Mariners, Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Baltimore. Poole, who pitched in the big leagues for 11 seasons and surrendered the deciding homer to Atlanta's David Justice in the 1995 World Series, died of complications from ALS, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. He was 57. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Former MLB pitcher Jim Poole dies of ALS at 57. He gave up winning homer in ’95 World Series
Former big league reliever Jim Poole has died of complications from ALS at the age of 57. He pitched in the majors for 11 seasons, most notably giving up the deciding homer to Atlanta’s David Justice with Cleveland in the 1995 World Series.
 
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Kyle Wright delivers in the rain during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Braves RHP Kyle Wright likely to miss all of 2024 season after setback from shoulder issues
Kyle Wright missed nearly the entire season dealing with shoulder issues. Now, it looks like the Atlanta Braves right-hander will be out for all of 2024, as well.
 
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher A.J. Smith-Shawver works against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Braves add RHP Daysbel Hernández to NLDS roster, Phillies go with RHP Michael Lorenzen
The Atlanta Braves made several surprising roster moves for the NL Division Series, adding hard-throwing reliever Daysbel Hernández and top prospect AJ Smith- Shawver ahead of Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
 
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Gregory Soto celebrates the team's win over the Miami Marlins in Game 2 of an NL wild-card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Phillies swept the series, and move on to face the Atlanta Braves. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Braves face Phillies in NLDS looking for payback after shocking playoff loss a year ago
The Atlanta Braves walked off the field a year ago a thoroughly beaten team, their defense of the World Series championship wiped out in less than a week. Now, they’ve got another shot at the team that delivered the playoff heartache.
 
Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) thanks the crowd for a standing ovation after he stole second base against the Chicago Cubs during the 10th inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Atlanta. It was Acuña's 70th stolen base of the season. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
Column: After historic regular season, Acuña gets a chance to really shine in playoffs
The last time the Braves made their run to a World Series championship, Ronald Acuña Jr. could only watch. A serious knee injury left him on the sidelines.
 
Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates after scoring the game-winning run on an Ozzie Albies base hit in the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs , Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Acuña becomes first 40-70 player, Albies lifts Braves over Cubs 6-5 in 10 innings
Ronald Acuña Jr. established the 40-70 club, Ozzie Albies walked him off with a 10th-inning single and the Atlanta Braves dealt the Chicago Cubs another devastating setback.
 
Atlanta Braves' Max Fried pitches during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
MLB-leading Braves are dealing with an ailing rotation as the playoffs loom
Baseball’s best team has some major pitching concerns heading into the final week of the regular season. Max Fried and Charlie Morton have both landed on the injured list in recent days.
 
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, right, hugs his son, safety Shilo Sanders, after he returned an interception for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Column: Coach Prime dominates the college football world. What might come next?
Deion Sanders hobbles to get around these days, but his ability to command an audience is even more potent than it was during his speedier playing days.
 
FILE - Coach Anthony Nesty watches as swimmers warm up at the U.S. nationals swimming meet in Indianapolis, June 27, 2023. Nesty made more history Thursday, Sept. 21, when he was picked to lead the U.S. men's swimming team in Paris, where he will become the first Black head coach for the powerhouse American squad at the Olympics. Nesty's selection was announced by USA Swimming, which also appointed Todd DeSorbo to head the women's squad next summer. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Anthony Nesty to become the first Black US head swimming coach at the Olympics
Anthony Nesty has made more history with his selection to lead the U.S. men’s swimming team at the Paris Olympics. He will become the first Black head coach for the Americans in the Summer Games.
 
Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) throws the ball home in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Castellanos comes up big at the plate and in the field, leading Phillies past Braves 6-5
Nick Castellanos hit two home runs and saved the gave with a brilliant throw as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 6-5 in 10 innings, handing the NL East champions their fifth loss in six games.
 
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 25-24. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons are in rare territory with a 2-0 start. Rookie Bijan Robinson leads the way
The Atlanta Falcons are in rare territory, sitting at 2-0 for only the 11th time in franchise history. There are plenty of things to be hopeful about, led by rookie Bijan Robinson.
 
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo, of South Korea, (6) kicks the game-winning field goal against Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 25-24. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Robinson shines, Koo kicks winning field goal as Falcons rally past Packers 25-24
Younghoe Koo booted a 25-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining and rookie Bijan Robinson turned in another dynamic performance, rallying the Atlanta Falcons to a 25-24 victory over Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers.
 
Georgia linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) reacts after a quarterback sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
No. 1 Georgia bounces back from 11-point halftime deficit to beat South Carolina 24-14
Carson Beck passed for 269 yards, Daijun Edwards, Dillon Bell and Cash Jones ran for second-half touchdowns, and No. 1 Georgia rallied from 11 points down to beat South Carolina 24-14.
 
FILE - Ottawa quarterback Madysen Carrera (21) is tackled by Midland defender Casey Thompson, left, during an NAIA flag football game in Ottawa, Kan., Friday, March 26, 2021. Not surprisingly, the NFL is a big part of the push to make flag football an Olympic sport — at least for a one-off in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
Column: Flag football at the Olympics? Stop chuckling, it might happen
Flag football at the Olympics? Admit it: You chuckled a bit at the thought. Well, hold the laughter.
 
FILE - Savannah Bananas catcher Vinny Rauso, center, tries to get fans to cheer before throwing a free T-shirt to the loudest section, during the team's baseball game against the Florence Flamingos, June 7, 2022, in Savannah, Ga. A new exhibit dedicated to the sport's wackiest team, the Bananas, will open Friday at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File)
The Baseball Hall of Fame is turning into Banana Land
The Baseball Hall of Fame is going Bananas. An exhibit dedicated to the sport’s wackiest team, the Savannah Bananas, is opening at the hallowed shrine in Cooperstown, New York.
 
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love smiles as he listens to a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Chicago. The Packers won 38-20. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Even with a new face of the franchise, the Packers don’t look that much different to the Falcons
The Green Bay Packers have a certain way of doing things, even with a new face of the franchise. The Jordan Love-led Packers don’t look all that different to the Atlanta Falcons than the group led all those years by Aaron Rodgers.
 
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws a pass behind the blocking of offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Ball State Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
After a pair of de facto exhibition games, No. 1 Georgia hosts South Carolina in SEC opener
The preseason is over for the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. Time to face some real competition. Georgia carries a 19-game winning streak into its first Southeastern Conference game, hosting South Carolina in a contest that should be more challenging than the first two weeks.
 
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Bijan Robinson outshines top pick Bryce Young as Falcons knock off Panthers 24-10
Bijan Robinson outshined top overall pick Bryce Young in their NFL debuts, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the season opener.
 
Georgia wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (1) celebrates with offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) and Brock Bowers (19) after scoring aa touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Ball State Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
No. 1 Georgia romps 45-3 over Ball State behind Mews’ punt return TD, 3 interceptions
No. 1 Georgia intercepted three passes and walk-on Mekhi Mews sparked the offense with a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown, leading the Bulldogs to a 45-3 victory over Ball State.
 
FILE - Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns (0) looks on after a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. Brian Burns sat out his second consecutive practice Monday, Sept. 4, because of a contract dispute, raising questions about whether the two-time Pro Bowler will play in Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)
All eyes are on the QBs as the Panthers begin Bryce Young era and Desmond Ridder leads the Falcons
The Carolina Panthers begin a new era with Bryce Young as the face of the franchise. Just the sort of hype one would expect for the NFL’s top draft pick.
 
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) runs past Tennessee-Martin linebacker Giovanni Davis (8) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
No. 1 Georgia looks poised for another big win as Ball State visits Sanford Stadium
No. 1 Georgia was supposed to be hitting the road for a most intriguing matchup. Instead, the Bulldogs will be facing another overmatched opponent when Ball State visits Athens. Oh, what might have been.
 
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Michael Soroka delivers to a St. Louis Cardinals batter in the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Braves pitcher Michael Soroka out for the year but apparently won’t need surgery
Former All-Star pitcher Michael Soroka is out for the season but did receive a bit of good news: His latest injury apparently won’t require surgery.
 
Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer (13) calls an audible against Georgia Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Plummer rallies Louisville over Georgia Tech 39-34 in ACC opener
Jack Plummer rallied his new team from a 15-point halftime deficit, throwing three touchdown passes to lead Louisville past Georgia Tech 39-34 in a winning debut for Cardinals coach Jeff Brohm.
 
FILE - Georgia head coach Kirby Smart kisses the championship trophy after the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game against TCU, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. As Georgia begins its quest for an unprecedented three-peat in college football, those who have been there before can provide some helpful perspective on what it takes to keep winning titles year after year after year. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
Column: As Georgia goes for a three-peat, those who’ve done it before provide perspective
As Georgia goes for an unprecedented three-peat in college football, those who’ve done it before can provide some useful perspective. Larry Farmer was part of three straight national championship teams at UCLA in the early 1970s.
 
FILE - Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) leaps over TCU safety Millard Bradford (28) during the second half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. Brock Bowers was named to The Associated Press preseason All-America team, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
No. 1 Georgia downplays talk of a three-peat as season begins against UT-Martin
Kirby Smart shrugs off any talk about making history. Even so, that storyline is impossible to ignore between the hedges.
 
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