PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kevin Pillar and Orlando Arcia each had run-scoring hits in the 10th inning to move the Atlanta Braves closer to an NL East title with a 10-8 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in the first game of a doubleheader.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia safety Javon Bullard did not practice Monday after injuring his left ankle in a weekend victory over Ball State. Coach Kirby Smart said he's not sure if Bullard will be able to play when the top-ranked Bulldogs (2-0) host South Carolina State in their Southeastern Conference opener on Saturday.

ATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Smith wanted to relish his first winning record in his three seasons as the Atlanta Falcons' coach. In his news conference following Sunday's 24-10 season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers, Smith wasn't interested in a question which began by noting that his quarterback, Desmond Ridder, had more catches than his No. 1 wide receiver, Drake London.

So much about Nick Saban's 17 seasons at Alabama represents unprecedented success in college football football that even the slightest dip in performance is notable. For any other program, permanent residence in the top 10 of The Associated College football poll going on nine consecutive seasons would be celebrated. For the Crimson Tide, it's a sign of slippage.

NEW YORK (AP) — Novak Djokovic emerged from an exhilarating and exhausting U.S. Open final with a 24th Grand Slam title on Sunday night, using every ounce of his energy and some serve-and-volley guile to get past Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in a match that was more closely contested than the straight-set score indicated.

ATLANTA (AP) — Having become the first team to clinch a playoff berth, the Atlanta Braves looked ahead toward larger aims. “I wanted to congratulate the guys, but our No. 1 goal coming out of spring training is to win the division,” manager Brian Snitker said after the Braves rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 on Sunday.

ATLANTA (AP) — The No. 8 pick stole the spotlight from the top choice in the NFL draft. Bijan Robinson caught a touchdown pass in his debut and set up another score with a long run, giving the Atlanta rookie immediate bragging rights over Carolina's Bryce Young as the Falcons opened with season with a 24-10 victory over the Panthers on Sunday.

ATLANTA (AP) — Safety Jessie Bates led a cast of new veteran starters on the Atlanta Falcons' defense that was dominant against Carolina rookie quarterback Bryce Young, especially in the second half. “Honestly, it was my day. I felt good,” Bates said after the Falcons' season-opening 24-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Stetson Bennett has moved on. No problem for No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs have a new walk-on star. Mekhi Mews sparked Georgia with a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown and the Bulldogs, taking advantage of three interceptions, blew away Ball State 45-3 on Saturday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Luke Sprague completed 79% of his pass attempts and threw for two touchdowns and Jouvensly Bazil ran for two scores and Bethune-Cookman beat Savannah State 31-6 on Saturday.