AROUND THE HORN

Playoffs: The World Series could end in October for the first time since 2014. The commissioner’s office announced that the Series would begin Oct. 23, with Game 7 on Oct. 31, barring rainouts. The Series ended Nov. 2 in 2016 and Nov. 1 in 2015 and last year. The NL wild-card game Oct. 2 will open the postseason for the first time since 2013.

MLB: After a historic drop during the first three months, the Elias Sports Bureau said the major-league batting average in July was .255, raising the season’s mark from .246 to .248. There were 6,546 hits and 6,195 strikeouts in July after strikeouts exceeded hits in two of the first three months.

Cardinals: Jose Martinez’s walk-off two-run single off Wade Davis provided a 3-2 win over the Rockies. Martinez’s key pinch hit gave the Cards their ninth walkoff win this season. The Cardinals took three of four from the Rockies. Davis blew his careerhigh fifth save in 36 chances.

Rays: Jalen Beeks got his first major-league win, C.J. Cron had a two-run single and the Rays completed a three-game sweep by beating the Angels 4-2. Beeks, the second pitcher on a bullpen day, allowed two runs on two hits in five innings. Angels star Mike Trout sat out due to a sore right wrist and is listed as day to day after getting hurt sliding on a stolen-base attempt Wednesday.

White Sox: Jose Abreu’s eighth-inning home run tied it before Daniel Palka delivered a pinch three-run homer later in the inning to secure a 6-4 victory over the Royals. Palka tied the club record of three pinch homers in one season set by Oscar Gamble in 1977. Seven-year veteran Luis Avilan earned the first save of his career.

Dodgers: Justin Turner came off the DL for the series finale against the Brewers. Turner, who had been out with a groin injury, was batting .259 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in an injuryinterrupted season. With Turner at 3B, recently acquired Manny Machado moved to SS and newcomer Brian Dozier played 2B.