National Sports

OTTAWA — With the regular season just days away, Montreal coach Martin St. Louis was happy to see his team commit to the game plan and be rewarded with a 6-4 win over the Ottawa Senators.

MONTREAL — CF Montreal took another step toward the Major League Soccer post-season, securing a decisive 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers at Stade Saputo on Saturday.

ATLANTA (AP) — This is Bryce Harper's favourite time of year. Ranger Suárez and a parade of hard-throwing Philadelphia relievers are enjoying themselves, too.

OTTAWA — Jack Dever had two goals and an assist, Max Donoso made 19 saves, and the Ottawa 67's recorded their first victory of the young Ontario Hockey League season with a 5-2 decision over the Sudbury Wolves on Saturday at TD Place.

DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings finished a successful NHL pre-season schedule with a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena.

CHICOUTIMI, Que. — Emile Duquet and Alexis Morin each scored twice and the Chicoutimi Sagueneens erupted for five third-period goals in a 6-3 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League victory over the Charlottetown Islanders on Saturday.

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander pitched six shutout innings, Yordan Alvarez homered twice and the Houston Astros held on for a 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins in their American League Division Series opener Saturday.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Ben Griffin moved into position for his first PGA Tour victory with another bogey-free round Saturday for a 6-under 66, giving him a three-shot lead in the Sanderson Farms Championship.

BALTIMORE (AP) — For the first time this post-season, the maligned Texas bullpen had to protect a slim lead in the late innings. Josh Sborz, Aroldis Chapman and José Leclerc wobbled but didn't fall.

CALGARY — Valérie Maltais and Connor Howe had the golden touch in their respective 1,500-metre races on the third day of the Canadian long-track speedskating championships on Saturday. Maltais, of La Baie, Que.