National Sports

ATLANTA — When the Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their already power-packed lineup with slugging shortstop Manny Machado, this is just what they had in mind. Plenty of long balls. Another deep run in the post-season .

REGINA — Willie Jefferson made the big play when it mattered most.

CLEVELAND — As his teammates sprayed each other with champagne and beer in Houston's buzzing clubhouse, ace Justin Verlander stayed clear of the fray and foam while enjoying a cigar. This wasn't the time to get soaked. Bigger parties lie ahead.

MONTREAL — The Calgary Stampeders refused to celebrate their first-round playoff bye after their worst offensive performance of the season.

PARIS — Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair is among 15 players competing for the inaugural women's Ballon d'Or. For the first time, France Football magazine is awarding the individual award this year to a woman and a man on Dec. 3 in Paris.

BOSTON — Patrice Bergeron missed the entire exhibition season and most of training camp recovering from back spasms that followed off-season groin surgery. It doesn't seem to have slowed him down.

HAMILTON — The road to the Grey Cup officially goes through Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats clinched a playoff berth and guaranteed a post-season game at home on Monday after the Montreal Alouettes' 12-6 loss to the Calgary Stampeders.

WINNIPEG — The Jets may have given their fans a bit of a reality check to start the season.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo will miss two to four weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Coach Bob Boughner announced the injury Monday, adding Luongo will not need surgery.

PHILADELPHIA — Flyers winger James van Riemsdyk is out five to six weeks with a lower-body injury. General manager Ron Hextall announced the time frame for van Riemsdyk's absence Monday.