tim collins

The Washington Nationals held a players-only meeting the discuss a fifth consecutive loss and the precarious spot they're now in beyond the halfway point of the season.

Matt Niskanen scored two goals in the third period, lifting the visiting Capitals over the New York Islanders, 4-2, on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory.

It all happened in about a week. Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz experienced a gut-punching low of the postseason and then an exhilarating high -- all without throwing a pitch.

The power of the Kansas City Royals' bullpen against the versatility of the Orioles' should make for an American League Championship Series that could be decided early in each game since the relievers don't often break.

The drama of Thursday's night game had little to do with Kansas City's impressive rookie Yordano Ventura or another short but solid performance from the Orioles' Wei-Yin Chen.

After dropping the rubber match, 4-2, to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon before an announced crowd of 33,919, the Orioles (29-19) have now lost five of seven games as they embark on a tough road trip to Toronto, Tampa Bay and Boston.

After finishing 9-2 this season, Towson will host Lehigh in the second round of the NCAA Division I playoffs