Sports News Roundup: Astros lament missed opportunity; Wimbledon brings in the final set tiebreak

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Astros lament missed opportunity, vow reset for 2019

Heading home for the winter, the Houston Astros are already plotting a triumphant return in 2019. Houston's bid to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the 2000 New York Yankees was shredded in the American League Championship Series loss to the Boston Red Sox. Boston's bats did consistent damage and the Red Sox ended the series in Game 5 on Thursday night in Houston.

Wimbledon brings in the final set tiebreak

Wimbledon will introduce a final set tiebreak starting from next year's Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), organizers said on Friday. After a period of consultation with players and officials, the AELTC ruled that the tiebreak will be played when the score reaches 12-12 in the final set of all matches at the tournament, singles and doubles.

NHL roundup: Avalanche hand Devils first loss

Gabriel Landeskog recorded his third career hat trick by scoring the tiebreaking goal with 3:22 remaining on Thursday, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche recorded a 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils, who became the last NHL team to lose a game this season. Landeskog completed his first hat trick since Dec. 16 by firing a one-timer from the right circle over Keith Kinkaid's glove while falling to his knees in Newark, N.J.

Ice hockey: Kenya's lone hockey team have Olympic-sized dreams

Kenya may be known more for producing the world's greatest long distance runners than winter athletes, but the country's only ice hockey team are hoping a recent trip to Canada will help change that narrative. Earlier this week the Kenya Ice Lions, who have nobody to play against back home, were featured in a heartwarming video in which Canadian coffee-and-donut chain Tim Hortons brought them to Toronto in mid-August to play their first game.

Former USA Gymnastics boss arrested for Nassar evidence-tampering

Steve Penny, the former USA Gymnastics president, was arrested on Wednesday night in Tennessee on charges he tampered with evidence in the case of Larry Nassar, the disgraced team doctor convicted of sexually assaulting athletes, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Penny is due to be extradited to Walker County in Texas to face allegations he removed documents from the USA Gymnastics national team training center there, the U.S. Marshals Service's statement said.

Riley: Heat 'pulling the plug' on Butler trade talks

Miami Heat president of basketball operations Pat Riley told the team's players that he is "pulling the plug" on trade talks involving Jimmy Butler, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. Butler, the disgruntled Minnesota Timberwolves star, requested a trade before finally reporting for the start of his final season before he hits free agency. Discussions between Minnesota and Miami reportedly hit a snag last week.

Price-less: Red Sox KO Astros to reach World Series

Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. spoke with an earnestness that belied his influence on the American League Championship Series, a sincerity that did not fully reflect the potency of his bat or the damage he wrought in helping dethrone the defending champions. Even a hitless Game 5 could not diminish his impact. It was Bradley who slugged Boston to three consecutive wins prior to Thursday. It was Bradley who set the table for J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers and David Price to put the finishing touches on the Houston Astros with a 4-1 victory at Minute Maid Park and 4-1 series win that clinched the Red Sox's 14th pennant.

NBA roundup: LeBron loses Lakers debut at Portland

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 49 points, and Nik Stauskas matched his career high with 24 points in his first appearance in a Portland uniform, leading the Trail Blazers past the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 128-119 Thursday night in the season opener for both teams. LeBron James collected 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in his first game as a Laker. Josh Hart had 20 points for the Lakers, who got 13 points and 11 assists from Rajon Rondo in his team debut. Los Angeles shot 48.4 per cent from the field but was only 7 of 30 on 3-point attempts.

Paralympics: IPC demands more accessible hotels, transport at Tokyo 2020

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) warned Tokyo 2020 organizers on Friday that more accessible hotels and transport options must be found ahead of the showpiece event. IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez was critical of the number of hotel rooms that are wheelchair accessible and does not believe there will be enough suitable rooms by the time some teams arrive for pre-Paralympic camps.

Broncos pound Cardinals, end the four-game losing streak

The visiting Denver Broncos returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the first quarter and coasted to a 45-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night in Glendale, Ariz. Emmanuel Sanders caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown and threw for another, as Denver (3-4) snapped a four-game losing streak. Broncos quarterback Case Keenum went 14 of 21 for 161 yards, a touchdown and an interception.