SPORTS SHORTS
MLB: Top Pirates prospect involved in fatal crash Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz, the third-ranked prospect in the organization by MLB Pipeline, was a driver Monday in an accident that killed three people, according to a report out of the Dominican Republic.
Cruz was driving a Jeep “after curfew” on the Sánchez Highway near Los Mercaditos de Paya, Baní, when he collided with a motorcycle traveling in the same direction without lights, Diario Libre reported. Rafa Nieves, Cruz’s agent, told The Athletic that the 21-year-old infielder is “fine,” but he declined to say whether Cruz is expected to face criminal charges. — Peter Botte
■ In Cleveland, José Ramírez pushed the Indians into the playoffs with one swing and strengthened his case for the AL MVP Award by hitting a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning, giving the hosts a 5-3 win over the White Sox that clinched a postseason berth Tuesday night.
■ Bryse Wilson pitched five scoreless innings, Marcell Ozuna drove in five runs with four hits that included two homers and the Braves clinched their third straight NL East title by beating the Marlins 11-1 in Atlanta.
■ The Cubs clinched a playoff spot under rookie manager David Ross, returning to the postseason after a oneyear absence despite losing to the Pirates 3-2 in Pittsburgh on a walk-off home run by Jacob Stallings. They were assured a spot in the expanded playoff field when the Phillies was swept in a doubleheader at Washington.
■ Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons opted out of the final week of the season, the team announced Tuesday. Simmons and the team did not disclose a reason for the decision.
ETC.: Falcons, Atlanta United to host some fans
The NFL’s Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United will have some fans at home games in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, beginning with the Falcons’ game against the Panthers on Oct. 11.
Team and stadium officials announced the decision to allow a limited number of fans, based on the recent decline in COVID-19 cases in Georgia, among other factors.
■ Texas State men’s basketball coach Danny Kaspar has resigned three months after a former player accused him of making racist remarks. Athletic director Larry Teis announced that he’s accepted Kaspar’s resignation and that assistant coach Terrence Johnson will take over for the program for the upcoming season.
■ The U.S. national team has scrapped plans to play matches in next month’s international window due to Covid-19, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Tuesday.