National Sports

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.

HAMILTON, Bermuda — Canada is headed to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the first time ever after defeating Bermuda by 39 runs Saturday. Canada won the toss and elected to bat first at the National Sports Centre.