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Baseball Capsules


September 30, 2015


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Clayton Kershaw pitched the big-money Dodgers to their third straight NL West title, tossing a 1-hitter as Los Angeles beat the San Francisco Giants 8-0 on Tuesday night.


Kershaw allowed just a third-inning single and struck out 13, and the Dodgers (88-69) advance to face the NL East champion New York Mets in the best-of-five NL Division Series.


Kershaw (16-7) finally got the best of his 2015 nemesis in their fourth matchup of the year, striking out the side in order three times and retiring the final 19 batters as the Dodgers snapped a four-game losing streak.


Don Mattingly's Dodgers earned a third straight playoff berth for the first time in franchise history, and did so by snapping a seven-game losing streak at AT&T Park this year. It's also their sixth postseason berth in 10 years.


Justin Ruggiano and A.J. Ellis hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth to chase World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner (18-9), denying the Giants their first 19-game winner in 18 years.


ANGELS 8, ATHLETICS 1


ANAHEIM, Calif (AP) - Albert Pujols had an RBI double among his three hits, Erick Aybar drove in three runs and the Los Angeles Angels took over the lead for the second AL wild-card playoff spot with their seventh consecutive victory.


A few minutes after matching their longest winning streak of the season, the Angels (83-74) moved a half-game ahead of the Astros (83-75) when Houston lost 6-4 at Seattle.


Nick Tropeano (3-2) struck out 11 during 6 2-3 innings of three-hit ball for the Angels, who have won 10 of 12 overall during their majors-best 18-8 run through September.


The Angels remained two games behind the AL West-leading Texas Rangers (85-72), who beat Detroit. The Minnesota Twins (81-75) were rained out in Cleveland, dropping them 1 1-2 games behind Los Angeles in the wild-card race.


With four games in Texas to close the season, the Angels are in control of their playoff destiny no matter the result of the wild-card race. Rebounding splendidly from an awful August, the Angels have chased down the AL leaders with five games to play.


MARINERS 6, ASTROS 4


SEATTLE (AP) - Shawn O'Malley damaged Houston's playoff hopes with a two-run, bases-loaded single in the eighth inning that gave Seattle a comeback victory.


The Astros, who are still involved in two postseason races, were displaced in the American League wild-card chase by the Los Angeles Angels, an 8-1 winner over Oakland on Tuesday. The New York Yankees, who lost to Boston 10-4, maintains the top wild-card spot with the Angels now second. Houston slips a half-game behind Los Angeles


As for the AL West race, division-leading Texas beat Detroit 7-6, and has a two-game lead over the Angels and 2 1-2 over the Astros.


The victory broke the Mariners' six-game losing streak.


Robinson Cano hit his 20th home run, a two-run shot in the sixth off Mike Fiers that tied the game at 4-all.


RANGERS 7, TIGERS 6


ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Cole Hamels won his sixth consecutive decision, overcoming a shaky start to strike out eight in six innings, and AL West-leading Texas snapped a three-game skid.


Texas' lead in the division stretched to two games, with the Angels leapfrogging Houston for second place - the Astros are 2 1/2 games back. Los Angeles starts a four-game series in Texas Thursday to end the regular season.


Adrian Beltre had three hits and drove in two runs, including Shin-Soo Choo when they had consecutive doubles in the fourth to break a 6-all tie. Choo also had a two-run homer in the first.


Hamels is 6-1 in 11 starts since getting traded from Philadelphia at the end of July, and the Rangers have won his last nine starts after losing the first two. The lefty surpassed 200 innings for the seventh time in his career and 200 strikeouts for the fourth time.


Buck Farmer (0-4), the second of six Detroit pitchers, retired the first six batters he faced.


RED SOX 10, YANKEES 4


NEW YORK (AP) - Michael Pineda was hit hard at the start, and New York's playoff push was delayed once again by its longtime rival as Boston got two homers and five RBIs from rookie catcher Blake Swihart.


Rick Porcello (9-14) recovered neatly from a rocky first inning, and the Red Sox won their season-best fifth straight game to pass the Orioles for third place in the AL East.


New York is running second in the division and was spared the possibility of the Blue Jays clinching the crown when they were rained out in Baltimore. Toronto will play a doubleheader Wednesday against the Orioles and needs only one win - or another Yankees loss - to wrap up its first AL East title in 22 years.


Pineda (12-9) and the Yankees began the day looking to lock up at least a wild card, but that chance was washed away when Minnesota was rained out in Cleveland. New York needs two wins in its final five games - or some help - to reach the postseason for the first time since 2012.


WHITE SOX 4, ROYALS 2


CHICAGO (AP) - Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales homered and Johnny Cueto threw six quality innings, but Kansas City lost to Chicago.


The Royals, who have lost four of their last five, fell behind 3-0 after Adam Eaton drove a two-run homer into the bullpen in right field off Cueto (10-13) in the fifth inning.


Cueto lost for the third time in his four September outings and gave up three runs and eight hits over six innings. He struck out two and walked two.


Kansas City got within 3-2 in the sixth when Hosmer and Morales hit back-to-back homers off Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija (11-13), who won for the second straight time after losing nine of his 10 previous outings.


The runs were the first the Royals scored in 17 innings during a three-game stretch that included Kansas City being shut out 1-0 in 11 innings by the Chicago Cubs on Monday night.


CUBS 4, REDS 1


CINCINNATI (AP) - Miguel Montero doubled home a pair of runs during Chicago's four-run first inning, and Dan Haren pitched into the eighth following a long rain delay.


The Cubs already have clinched a spot in the NL wild-card game for their first playoff berth since 2008. They trail Pittsburgh by three games for home-field advantage. The Pirates' game against first-place St. Louis was rained out on Tuesday.


The Reds lost their season-high 10th in a row, their longest slump since they dropped 11 straight in 1998.


PHILLIES 4, METS 3


PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Darin Ruf hit a three-run homer, Odubel Herrera had four hits and Philadelphia snapped New York's franchise-record 11-game road winning streak.


Lucas Duda hit two homers for the NL East champion Mets, who hadn't lost away from home since Sept. 6, at Miami.


Duda hit a two-run shot off Ken Giles on an 0-2 pitch in the ninth before Giles retired Travis d'Arnaud for his 14th save in 18 chances.


Bartolo Colon (14-13) allowed three runs and eight hits in five innings for his first loss to the Phillies since Aug. 30, 2014. He beat them four times this season.


Adam Loewen (1-0) retired the only batter he faced in relief of starter David Buchanan to earn his first win since 2007 with Baltimore. The lefty struck out Duda with runners on second and third to end the fifth.


BRAVES 2, NATIONALS 1


ATLANTA (AP) - A.J. Pierzynski hit two home runs and rookie Matt Wisler threw seven strong innings as Atlanta beat Washington for just its fourth win in 17 tries against the Nats.


Wisler (7-8) picked up the victory, giving up one run while striking out four and walking two.


Rookie Arodys Vizcaino recorded his eighth save in nine chances. With runners on first and second and no outs in the ninth, Ian Desmond bunted into a 2-5-4 double play. Vizcaino then struck out Matt den Dekker to end it.


Tanner Roark (4-7), who rejoined the Nationals' rotation in September, took the loss. He handled everyone in the Braves' lineup except Pierzynski, who was 3 for 3, giving up just five hits and two runs in 6 2-3 innings. He struck out four, walked one and hit a batter.


RAYS 4, MARLINS 2


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Asdrubal Cabrera hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, a one-out drive off Bryan Morris (5-4), to push the Rays to 12-6 in interleague play this season.


Adam Conley gave up two runs and five hits over six innings for the Marlins, who had a five-game winning streak end. Miami dropped to 0-8 in road games against American League teams this season.


Tampa Bay's Matt Moore, bidding to win consecutive starts, allowed one run and seven hits in seven innings.


Miami pulled even at 2 in the eighth on Martin Prado's run-scoring single off Alex Colome (7-5). Brad Boxberger pitched the ninth for his 39th save.


DIAMONDBACKS 4, ROCKIES 3 (11 INNINGS)


PHOENIX (AP) - Pinch-hitter Phil Gosselin singled in the winning run after Colorado reliever Brooks Brown walked the bases loaded in the 11th inning.


Gosselin knocked in Paul Goldschmidt from third base with one out after Brown (1-3), the eighth of nine pitchers for the Rockies on the night, walked the three batters he faced in the inning. A.J. Pollock, Goldschmidt and David Peralta reached base after Brown threw 11 straight balls.


Christian Friedrich gave up the winning hit. Randall Delgado (7-4) pitched a scoreless top of the 11th.


BREWERS 4, PADRES 3


SAN DIEGO (AP) - Jean Segura hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning to help Jorge Lopez win his major league debut.


Lopez (1-0) allowed three runs and eight hits in five innings, struck out seven and walked two. The 22-year-old's contract was selected a week earlier from Double-A Biloxi, where he went 12-5 with a 2.26 ERA in 24 starts.


The Brewers trailed 3-2 going into the sixth. Khris Davis singled to left and Segura hit a one-out homer off Tyson Ross (10-12) into the balcony on the third level of the Western Metal Supply Co. Building in the left-field corner.

Preview: Cardinals (99-58) at Pirates (95-62)
Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 30, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Another injury didn't prevent the St. Louis Cardinals from inching closer to another NL Central title.


Some ugly weather might have done nothing more than push the celebration back a day.


After grinding out a victory in their opener with the Pittsburgh Pirates and having the middle game postponed, the Cardinals will get two chances to clinch their third consecutive division crown and first 100-win season since 2005 in a day-night doubleheader Wednesday at PNC Park.


St. Louis (99-58) reduced its magic number to two with Monday's 3-0 win over the second-place Pirates, scoring all its runs in the ninth inning and overcoming 10 walks by its pitchers and a frightening injury to Stephen Piscotty. The rookie was carted off and spent the night at a hospital after a violent outfield collision with Peter Bourjos in the seventh.


"I don't know if there is a game that would define it more than this one all season," manager Mike Matheny said. "We had our backs against the wall every single inning."


Piscotty was released from the hospital early Tuesday, and general manager John Mozeliak delivered an even more encouraging statement later in the day.


"I think the good news is he probably will play again in the regular season," Mozeliak said.


He'll have to wait until at least Wednesday to watch his team celebrate a Central crown. Rain washed out Tuesday's contest, leaving the Cardinals with two chances in a matters of hours to wrap up the division before heading out of town.


Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54 ERA) was originally supposed to pitch Tuesday against Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15), and while Wacha remains the Cardinals starter for the matinee, he'll oppose someone else. Pirates ace Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60) gets the ball first in what will be his final outing before he almost certainly starts the wild-card game.


Cole is 3-0 with a 2.30 ERA in his last four starts, a stretch that began with seven innings of two-hit ball in a 7-1 win at St. Louis on Sept. 6.


"I know he has a competitive chip that's special," manager Clint Hurdle told MLB's official website. "Most players have one, but (with him) you combine that with a very elite skill set and a desire to be the guy. He's shown that ability in September. It's one of the reasons that when you set up your rotation, you try to map him out for these type games, and he's answered very well."


Wacha hasn't been in top form of late, posting a 6.75 ERA while splitting his last four starts. He's walked 14 and surrendered five homers in 20 innings during the stretch.


He's rarely been anything but on against the Pirates (95-62), though. The right-hander is 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in seven games - six starts - in the series, including the 2013 postseason.


Andrew McCutchen is 5 for 9 with a homer off Wacha this season but is hitting .160 over his last eight games.


Piscotty's improved condition wasn't the only good news the Cardinals got after the announcement of Tuesday's rainout. Mozeliak said ace Adam Wainwright would be activated Wednesday and be immediately available out of the bullpen just over five months after he tore his left Achilles tendon.


Hoping to have Cole keep their division hopes alive in the afternoon, the Pirates - with a healthy lead over the Cubs for home-field advantage in the wild-card game - should be less confident handing it to Morton in the nightcap.


Morton is 0-9 with a 4.62 ERA in 12 meetings with the Cardinals since a road win April 4, 2011. He has pitched well in the last two this season, holding St. Louis to five hits and one earned run over 13 innings.


The right-hander has surrendered 12 runs over 8 1-3 innings in his last two outings this month, however.


Mark Reynolds, who homered off Mark Melancon for the final two runs Monday, is 4 for 9 against Morton. Jon Jay, whose single in the ninth scored the initial run on Gregory Polanco's error, is 9 for 22.


Opposing Morton will be Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96) in his eighth start of the season and first in four weeks. The left-hander has a 4.93 ERA in his starts and has allowed eight homers in 34 2-3 innings, three of which came Sept. 2 against Washington.


Lyons is 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA in three career starts against Pittsburgh.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cardinals at Pirates
Mon, Sep 28 Final 3 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Cardinals at Pirates
Tue, Sep 29 - 7:05PM EDT( RAIN )
Recaps


GAME 3
Cardinals at Pirates
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:05PM EDT( DOUBLE HEADER )

Preview: Blue Jays (91-65) at Orioles (76-80)
Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: September 30, 2015 7:35 PM EDT

A little over a year ago, the Toronto Blue Jays had to watch the Baltimore Orioles celebrate a long-awaited division title at Camden Yards.


Their chance to exact some revenge has arrived.


With a magic number of one, the Blue Jays need only a win in either game of their doubleheader against the Orioles on Wednesday to clinch their first AL East title in 22 years.


Toronto (91-65) lowered its magic number to two by rallying for a series-opening 4-3 victory Monday. Although Tuesday's game was postponed by rain, the Blue Jays moved even closer to a division title with New York's 10-4 loss to Boston.


The chance to celebrate in Baltimore is only fitting after the Orioles (76-80) wrapped up their first East crown since 1997 with an 8-2 victory over the Blue Jays on Sept. 16, 2014.


Toronto, which has won five in a row, could even clinch the division if it drops both games, provided the Yankees lose again to the Red Sox.


'They should be very proud of the work they've done this year,' Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. 'They made some good acquisitions, good trades, good free agent signings. They added some really key, good pieces. Just like we did last year and tried to do this year.'


Also on the Blue Jays' agenda is finishing with the best record in the AL and securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They are 1 1/2 games ahead of Kansas City.


'Yeah, we'd love to do that. I think that would be very important,' manager John Gibbons said.


Baltimore has been eliminated from playoff contention and needs to win its final six games to post a fourth straight winning season.


An anemic offense has been the biggest problem lately for the Orioles, who have scored in just one of their last 37 innings. All their runs in the past four games came in the second inning Monday on Ryan Flaherty's three-run homer.


'Part of that is you have to credit the other guy who is on the mound,' catcher Matt Wieters said. 'We've had some tough pitchers."


Producing runs won't get any easier with Marcus Stroman (3-0, 1.89 ERA) on the mound for Toronto in the opener.


The right-hander has provided a huge boost since making his season debut this month. He's been outstanding in his past two starts, allowing one run and 11 hits over 14 innings in beating Boston and the Yankees. Stroman limited New York to five hits over seven innings in a 4-0 victory last Wednesday.


He makes his first start against the Orioles since Sept. 15, 2014, when he threw at catcher Caleb Joseph, drawing a five-game suspension. Stroman pitched four scoreless innings in relief against Baltimore 11 days later to earn his first career save.


Miguel Gonzalez (9-11, 4.85) opposes Stroman as he returns to the mound after missing a month with shoulder tendinitis.


The right-hander is 0-5 with a 7.46 ERA in seven starts since his last win July 25. He lost his third consecutive start in his last appearance Aug. 30 at Texas.


Home wins have been even harder to come by for Gonzalez, who is 0-4 with a 6.81 ERA in seven outings at Camden Yards since May 19.


Gonzalez, though, will be facing one of his favorite opponents. He allowed one unearned run over 7 2-3 innings in a 6-1 win over the Blue Jays on May 13, improving to 5-0 with a 0.98 ERA in his last six meetings.


Edwin Encarnacion is 3 for 25 in this matchup, but each of those hits left the park.


R.A. Dickey (11-11, 4.00) gets the call in the nightcap for Toronto. He earned his 100th win Friday, allowing two runs and four hits over seven innings in a 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay. Dickey retired 18 of the final 19 batters he faced, including 11 straight.


The knuckleballer is 8-1 with a 2.95 ERA in the second half but has posted a 6.08 ERA in his last four road starts.


Dickey is 0-4 with a 5.30 ERA in his last six outings against the Orioles, though the last three have been quality starts.


Gerardo Parra is 6 for 9 with four extra-base hits in this matchup.


Kevin Gausman (3-7, 4.49) starts the second game for Baltimore. This has been a disappointing season for the right-hander, with a trip to the disabled list, time in the minors and only three wins in 16 starts.


After pitching six scoreless innings in a win over Boston on Sept. 14, Gausman allowed nine runs and 13 hits over 11 innings in his next two starts.


He didn't receive a decision at Toronto on June 20 after yielding two runs in five innings.


Gausman has held Encarnacion and Jose Bautista to a combined 0 for 17 lifetime.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Blue Jays at Orioles
Mon, Sep 28 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Blue Jays at Orioles
Tue, Sep 29 - 7:05PM EDT ( RAIN )
Recaps


GAME 3
Blue Jays at Orioles
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:35PM EDT ( DOUBLE HEADER )


GAME 4
Blue Jays at Orioles
Thu, Oct 1 - 7:05PM EDT

Preview: Twins (81-75) at Indians (77-78)
Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Minnesota Twins will resume their playoff chase with a doubleheader scheduled against the Indians following a rainout in Cleveland.


Although they have two chances to make up ground in the AL wild-card race, manager Paul Molitor noted how it's hard enough to win once.


Not helping matters is Molitor's club has to face one of baseball's hottest pitchers in Wednesday's first game as it goes up against Carlos Carrasco.


The Twins' pursuit of their first playoff berth since 2010 was temporarily put on hold when Tuesday's game was called after a 1-hour, 10-minute delay. Minnesota (81-75) sits 1 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild card and a half-game in back of Houston.


Winners of three straight and six of eight, the Twins are running out of time but can make a move in the standings with a doubleheader sweep.


'It's hard to win one game,' Molitor said. 'You have to look at it as two opportunities to win. It doesn't change what we need to do.'


Winning the opener won't be easy with Carrasco (14-11, 3.44 ERA) on the mound.


Carrasco was brilliant at Kansas City on Friday, tossing a one-hitter while striking out a career-high 15 in a 6-0 win. He surrendered only a seventh-inning single and walked two against a Royals team resting most of its starters after clinching the AL Central the night before.


While meeting with reporters following the postponement, Molitor was reminded of Carrasco's strikeout total against Kansas City.


'Thank you,' Molitor said sarcastically. 'Maybe there will be shadows, too.'


Friday's outing was just the latest gem by Carrasco over the last two months.


In nine starts since July 30, his 1.88 ERA and 0.75 WHIP are the best in the AL. His 11.26 strikeouts per nine innings over that span rank third in the majors.


The right-hander's only start of the season against the Twins came during this stretch, when he yielded two runs with seven strikeouts over seven innings in a 4-1 road loss on Aug. 16.


The Indians (77-78) are on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention and may be without one of their top players for the remainder of the season.


Michael Brantley got hurt last week while trying to make a diving catch in Minnesota and sat four games before returning to the lineup Sunday. Brantley, who is batting .310 with 15 homers and a team-high 84 RBIs, was examined by an orthopedist Tuesday and manager Terry Francona said the team will wait for results before deciding the next step.


'I think he was probably fighting more things than people realize,' Francona said of Brantley. 'He's pretty beat up. He's done a heck of a job.'


Francona's team faces Kyle Gibson (10-11, 3.96) in the opener as he gets another shot at Cleveland after getting tagged for six runs and seven hits over a season-low 2 2-3 innings in Thursday's 6-3 loss. Gibson, who fell to 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in his last three meetings, had been 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his first three career matchups with the Indians.


The right-hander gave up a homer on the third pitch to Jason Kipnis and another in the third to Carlos Santana after not allowing any in six consecutive outings.


Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31) got the win pitching opposite Gibson and takes the ball in the nightcap.


Anderson, who has a 1.38 ERA in winning his last four starts, surrendered 10 hits in last week's meeting but was able to limit the damage, aided by the fact that he didn't walk a batter for the first time in nine starts. It was much better than his first encounter with the Twins, in which he gave up six runs and five hits over 2 2-3 innings in Cleveland's 10-9 home loss Aug. 7.


Yan Gomes, who is batting .357 during a seven-game hitting streak, is 6 for 11 off the righty with two home runs and a double.


The Twins counter Anderson with Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.09), who gave up a run with a season high-tying seven strikeouts over five innings in Friday's 6-4 loss at Detroit. It was the second time in three starts he allowed one run after recording a 10.22 ERA in his previous three.


The veteran righty gave up seven runs - four earned - in 3 2-3 innings in his last start against the Indians on Aug. 7 after posting a 2.25 ERA in his first two starts against them.


Kipnis, who has hit safely in nine of 10 games, is batting .125 in 16 career at-bats against Pelfrey.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Twins at Indians
Mon, Sep 28 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Twins at Indians
Tue, Sep 29 - 7:10PM EDT ( RAIN )
Recaps


GAME 3
Twins at Indians
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:10PM EDT ( DOUBLE HEADER )


GAME 4
Twins at Indians
Thu, Oct 1 - 7:10PM EDT

Preview: Red Sox (76-80) at Yankees (86-70)
Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 30, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Don't call it a tune-up.


Lined up to pitch in next week's AL wild-card game, Masahiro Tanaka is back for his final start of the regular season Wednesday night when the New York Yankees face the Boston Red Sox.


Tanaka (12-7, 3.38 ERA) is returning from a right hamstring strain suffered while running out a bunt in the second inning of a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets on Sept. 18. The right-hander didn't leave until after he allowed two runs in six innings.


"I'm not looking at this as a tune-up," Tanaka told MLB's official website through an interpreter of using this outing to prepare for the postseason. "You know, as I've done for each and every one of my starts, I'm going to go out there and give the best I have."


Manager Joe Girardi isn't too concerned with any lingering effects from the injury.


"It's something that will be in the back of his head, but he's pitched through it the day at Citi Field for four innings and had no issues, and he's had 10 or 11 days off, so we feel pretty good about it," Girardi said.


Tanaka also owns a 6-1 record and 2.78 ERA in seven career starts on six or more days rest. He's won all three starts against Boston this year, but that's due to getting an average of 13.5 runs of support to compensate for his 5.19 ERA.


The offense made Tanaka's job a lot easier Sept. 2. The Yankees had an eight-run second and scored 12 for him while he gave up four runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 13-8 victory at Boston.


The Yankees (86-71) have lost the first two of this four-game set after falling 10-4 on Tuesday to the Red Sox (77-80), who have won a season-high five in a row.


"There's not alarm. Let's make it clear: That team is playing really good baseball. That's a different team than we saw all spring and summer, so give those guys credit. They're playing hard," third baseman Alex Rodriguez said.


"This is their playoff and they want to make an impact and we would be the same way playing against them," he added.


Rodriguez hasn't homered in 13 games, batting .147 over that stretch after going 1 for 7 in this series.


Wade Miley (11-11, 4.39) gets the ball as he wraps up his first season with the Red Sox, but he's 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts against the Yankees.


The left-hander is 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA over his last seven starts on the road since a win at Toronto on July 2.


He was charged with a 4-2 home loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday, surrendering two homers and four runs in 6 1-3 innings.


Blake Swihart is looking to build on his best offensive showing of the season. The rookie catcher had a three-run homer and a two-run blast, giving him a season high in RBIs. He's 2 for 4 with a double off Tanaka.


New York remains one win shy of becoming the first AL franchise to reach 10,000 in the regular season.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Red Sox at Yankees
Mon, Sep 28 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Red Sox at Yankees
Tue, Sep 29 Final 10 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Red Sox at Yankees
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 4
Red Sox at Yankees
Thu, Oct 1 - 7:05PM EDT

Preview: Mets (89-67) at Phillies (59-97)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: September 30, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Steven Matz has done little wrong in his first season with the New York Mets but sleeping has suddenly posed a problem.


The Mets have moved Matz' scheduled start back one day, and they'll instead turn to Logan Verrett against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night.


Matz has been terrific through six starts this year, going 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA - 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA in four since missing nearly two months with a partially torn lat muscle.


Now, he's dealing with discomfort in his back after spending a night on a couch.


"It's just kind of one of those things where you wake up and I slept wrong or something," Matz told MLB's official website. "It's definitely making improvement."


The Mets (89-68), however, aren't taking any chances since Matz is supposed to join Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard in their postseason rotation. That's reason enough to move his scheduled start back to Thursday's finale of this three-game set and advance Verrett forward one day.


Verrett (1-1, 2.70 ERA) is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three spot starts this year after allowing two homers and four runs in a 6-2 loss to Atlanta on Sept. 22. The rookie right-hander's other 13 appearances have come in relief, including a perfect seventh inning of a 9-5, 13-inning win at Philadelphia on Aug. 27.


He was originally scheduled to make this start in place of Jonathon Niese, who was moved to the bullpen in preparation of the playoffs.


New York had its franchise-record 11-game road winning streak end with Tuesday's 4-3 defeat at Philadelphia (60-97). However, Lucas Duda remained hot and went 3 for 5 with two homers and three RBIs.


The first baseman has homered five times on six hits in 12 at-bats while driving in 13 runs over the past three games. Duda is 9 for 17 in the past five contests after batting .154 with one homer and two RBIs over the previous 13 following a stint on the disabled list due to a back strain.


"He's getting hot at the right time," manager Terry Collins said.


Duda is 10 for 20 with five homers and seven RBIs in his last five meetings with Philadelphia.


Alec Asher (0-5, 7.52) will try to slow him down and avoid becoming the first Phillies pitcher to begin his career losing six straight starts since Frank Hoerst did it in 1941.


"You want to finish strong," Asher told MLB's official website. "That's the main goal. I know I've started 0-5. I don't want to start my career like that, but there's nothing I can do about those past games."


The rookie right-hander is also attempting to prove he's worthy of a spot in next year's rotation. He showed some promise Thursday, yielding one run and three hits in seven innings of a 1-0 loss at Miami.


"With each start, I'm building more confidence," said Asher, who lowered his ERA more than two runs.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Mets at Phillies
Tue, Sep 29 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Mets at Phillies
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Mets at Phillies
Thu, Oct 1 - 7:05PM EDT

Preview: Nationals (80-76) at Braves (62-94)
Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Jordan Zimmermann's final start of this season could also be his last with the Washington Nationals.


He'd love an encore of his 2014 finale.


Zimmermann aims for his 14th win as the Nationals continue a tumultuous final week Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves.


A free agent at season's end, speculation exists that Zimmermann may be pitching elsewhere in 2016 due to his expected high market value, the Nationals' large existing payroll obligations and a possible set rotation with Tanner Roark joining Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and rookie Joe Ross.


"I don't know that answer," Zimmermann said after being knocked around in Friday's 8-2 home loss to Philadelphia. "We'll see what this offseason brings. I enjoyed my time here."


Zimmermann (13-9, 3.68 ERA) has spent his entire nine-year professional career in the organization and his 70 wins are the most by a National since the franchise's relocation from Montreal in 2005. He made his second straight All-Star team during a 2014 campaign he concluded with the club's first no-hitter since the move, a 10-strikeout gem against Miami in the Sept. 28 finale.


The 29-year-old hasn't been able to duplicate last season's career bests of 182 strikeouts and a 2.66 ERA, surrendering a personal-high 24 home runs - 11 more than a year ago. Five have come in Zimmermann's last three starts, during which he's posted a 7.41 ERA.


Zimmermann allowed three homers and six runs over five innings against the Phillies, but he hasn't permitted any in five 2015 meetings with Atlanta (63-94), last in the majors with 96 homers. He improved to 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in those starts after limiting the Braves to a run and two hits through six innings of a 15-1 home win Sept. 3.


The right-hander has a 1.19 ERA in winning his last three starts at Turner Field, throwing 7 2-3 scoreless innings in his last one there June 30.


Washington (80-77) has lost six of eight as it plays out a frustrating season symbolized by Sunday's dugout fight between Jonathan Papelbon and Bryce Harper, which prompted the team to suspend Papelbon four games and bench Harper for Monday's win over Cincinnati.


Harper returned to the lineup for Tuesday's opener of this three-game set, going 0 for 3 with a walk in the Nationals' 2-1 loss.


A.J. Pierzynski's second homer off Roark snapped a 1-all tie in the seventh and backed seven strong innings from Matt Wisler in Atlanta's fourth consecutive home win and fourth in 17 season matchups with Washington. The 38-year-old catcher later started a critical double play by fielding Ian Desmond's bunt with two on and none out in the ninth.


'He's caught over 100 games and hitting .300 (.299),' Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. 'He's doing a heck of a job for us.'


Williams Perez (6-6, 5.04) attempts to follow up Wisler's effort and continue a strong end to a rookie season. The 24-year-old righty is 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA over a four-start stretch and held the New York Mets to two runs in six innings in last Wednesday's 6-3 victory.


Perez, who was 0-4 with an 8.44 ERA in five August starts, recorded just one out while allowing four runs - three on a Harper homer - when making his major league debut in relief May 8 at Nationals Park.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Nationals at Braves
Tue, Sep 29 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Nationals at Braves
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Nationals at Braves
Thu, Oct 1 - 7:10PM EDT

Preview: Marlins (69-87) at Rays (75-81)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Mikie Mahtook looked overmatched in each of his previous stints with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this year.


Now, he's another reason for optimism in Tampa Bay in 2016.


Mahtook looks to help the Rays clinch their fourth Citrus Series victory in five years Wednesday night against the visiting Miami Marlins.


This is already Mahtook's sixth stint with the club this season. The 25-year-old rookie's previous opportunities served as a rough introduction to the major leagues. Though he flashed power with three home runs in 14 games, he hit just .189 with 13 strikeouts in 37 at-bats.


Since being called up on Sept. 1, though, he owns a 1.104 OPS in 22 games with a .368 batting average. He's homered three times in his last five games, including a solo shot in Tuesday's 4-2 victory. Mahtook complemented a strong showing by Matt Moore, who gave up one run over seven innings for the Rays (76-81).


"A lot of bright spots to look forward to next year," manager Kevin Cash said.


Drew Smyly (4-2, 3.26 ERA) will look to guide Tampa Bay to another victory, but he's been erratic in eight starts since returning last month from a torn labrum. He's pitched at least 5 2-3 scoreless innings four times in that span, but surrendered a combined 17 earned runs over 19 innings in the other four outings.


The lefty was good in his last turn, striking out seven over 6 1-3 scoreless innings in a 6-2 victory at Boston last Wednesday.


Miami (69-88) had its season high-tying five-game winning streak snapped and Justin Bour went 0 for 4 as he failed to become the third rookie since 1914 to homer in four consecutive games.


Jarred Cosart (2-4, 4.15) has recorded a 1.37 ERA over his last four starts, but efficiency continues to be a concern. He has averaged 18.4 pitches per inning in nine games since throwing a career high-matching eight shutout innings against the New York Mets on April 27. The right-hander hasn't completed five innings in four of his last six outings, though his most recent was cut short for other reasons.


He left after four innings Thursday against Philadelphia after taking a line drive off his left forearm. X-rays were negative and he's expected to be OK moving forward.


"They said if it had been a little bit to the left I would have definitely shattered whatever bone that is, but I'm happy that it didn't," he said. "I moved a little bit, but I got smoked pretty good."


Cosart is 3-1 with a 1.24 ERA in four career starts against the Rays, allowing one run over six innings in the lone loss 2-0 on April 11.


He owns a 7.31 ERA in six road starts, though he won the last, a 6-4 victory at Washington on Sept. 17 in which he yielded two runs over six innings.


Logan Forsythe, whose 68 RBIs ranks second for Tampa Bay, is day to day with a bruised right foot after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning.


Miami swept four meetings last year, winning the season series for the first time since 2010.


SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Marlins at Rays
Tue, Sep 29 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Marlins at Rays
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Marlins at Rays
Thu, Oct 1 - 7:10PM EDT

Preview: Royals (90-66) at White Sox (73-83)
Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 30, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Though the Kansas City Royals proved last season they can succeed in the playoffs without home-field advantage, they sure wouldn't mind having it this year.


That's in danger of slipping away, however, due to a September swoon and the Toronto Blue Jays' stellar second half.


The slumping Royals enter Wednesday night's road test with the Chicago White Sox 1 1-2 games behind Toronto for the American League's best record with five remaining. Kansas City (90-67) has lost its grasp on the top spot with a 8-16 record since Sept. 4, a slide that began when the White Sox recorded a three-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium.


Chicago (74-83) dealt the Royals another blow with a 4-2 triumph Tuesday to open this three-game set, with Adam Eaton hitting a two-run homer off Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija throwing seven solid innings to halt a seven-start home losing streak.


A lack of offense has been among the Royals' recent problems. They've scored 10 runs over a 1-4 stretch and were shut out for 17 straight innings before Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales hit back-to-back homers off Samardzija in the sixth.


Kansas City had a potential run taken away in the seventh when Trayce Thompson made a diving catch on Ben Zobrist's drive to left. Third baseman Mike Olt robbed Mike Moustakas with a leaping grab an inning later.


"I'm seeing good at-bats, really," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "We had opportunities to win the game, outside of two outstanding plays."


The task may remain difficult against Jose Quintana (9-10, 3.38 ERA), who hurled seven scoreless innings in a 6-1 win at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 5 to begin a string of four excellent outings and end an extended one of frustrating results against Kansas City.


Quintana has allowed one run or less each time in going 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA over his past four starts, the last two no-decisions against Oakland and Detroit in which he yielded one run across seven innings in both games.


The hard-luck left-hander, whose 51 no-decisions since 2012 lead the majors, can reach double-digit victories for the first time after winning nine games in 2013 and '14. Quintana's 24 quality starts are tied for second in the AL.


"That's part of the game," Quintana said after his Sept. 22 effort at Detroit, where the White Sox were no-hit through 8 1-3 innings of a 2-1, 10-inning loss. "Every time when I go out, I try to be focused on what I have control over."


Quintana is 1-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 17 lifetime starts against Kansas City, however, and several Royals have hit him well. Morales is 6 for 15 with a homer, Paulo Orlando 5 for 11 and Alcides Escobar 5 for 14 off him this season. Moustakas (.314, 2 HRs), Alex Rios (5 for 12), Salvador Perez (.366, 2 HRs) and Lorenzo Cain (.349) all have strong career numbers.


The AL Central champion Royals also hope to get Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.65) back on track for the postseason. The veteran righty has surrendered four homers and nine walks while going 0-2 with a 5.29 in his last three starts.


He allowed three runs on a pair of homers over six innings in Friday's 6-0 defeat to Cleveland.


Volquez is 2-2 with a 1.67 ERA in four season meetings with the White Sox and held them to one run and four hits through seven innings in the most recent one, a 3-2 home win Aug. 7. Both losses have come at U.S. Cellular Field, where he's allowed three earned runs in 12 innings and received three runs of support.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Royals at White Sox
Tue, Sep 29 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Royals at White Sox
Wed, Sep 30 - 8:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Royals at White Sox
Thu, Oct 1 - 8:10PM EDT

Preview: Cubs (92-65) at Reds (63-94)
Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 30, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Having managed against him for years, Joe Maddon said he knew the Chicago Cubs would have a promising chance to get to the postseason when Jon Lester put pen to paper on a lucrative contract.


While he's been overtaken by Jake Arrieta as the Cubs' ace this season, Lester has provided enough quality outings to send the club to its first playoff appearance in seven years.


The left-hander will try to provide another in his final scheduled outing of the regular season Wednesday night against the scuffling and potentially depleted Cincinnati Reds.


The Cubs (92-65) signaled that their rebuilding was over when they inked Lester (10-12, 3.43 ERA) to a six-year, $155 million deal in December.


"His particular signing indicated to us and to the fanbase, this is definitely possible. You need that kind of presence, particularly in your pitching staff, to get to this kind of moment," Maddon said. "Jonny has definitely elevated us this season."


Lester was the opening day starter but has been supplanted as the Cubs' No. 1 pitcher by Arrieta, a 21-game winner who is set to pitch in the team's wild-card game next Wednesday. That contest appears likely to be played in Pittsburgh but hosting isn't out of the picture just yet as the Cubs trail the Pirates by three games with five remaining.


Lester's ERA is nearly a run higher than last season's career-best 2.46, but he has recorded quality starts in 20 of his 31 outings. He yielded two runs in seven innings Friday against Pittsburgh but was outdueled by Gerrit Cole in a 3-2 loss, his second in a row.


Lester gave up one run in seven innings in his most recent start against Cincinnati (63-94) but Chicago needed 11 innings for a 2-1 victory. He has no record and a 4.74 ERA in three career matchups, all this season, but the Cubs have won each game.


The Reds have dropped 10 in a row after a 4-1 defeat in Tuesday's series opener. Only Ivan De Jesus Jr.'s RBI groundout in the ninth following an Austin Jackson error kept the Cubs from a third consecutive shutout.


Todd Frazier left with a strained right Achilles as the Reds clinched their longest skid since an 11-gamer in June 1998. Manager Bryan Price had no update on the slugger after the game.


Joey Votto has reached base in 46 consecutive games, the longest streak in the majors this season, and two shy of tying Pete Rose's franchise-record from 1978. Price, though, said the first baseman is dealing with a muscular issue around his shoulder.


Votto is 2 for 9 against Lester and is batting .444 with four homers in his last 10 games versus the Cubs.


"He really wants to play. It's not about the streak," Price said. "It's about going out there and grinding it out and finishing out the season. We'll see how he is (Wednesday)."


Anthony DeSclafani will try to help his club avoid another loss by improving on his 1.88 ERA in four matchups with the Chicago this season. The right-hander, though, has just one win in those games, a 3-2 victory April 14.


DeSclafani is 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA in his last two outings and matched a career high by allowing seven runs in 6 1-3 innings Friday in a 12-5 loss to the New York Mets.


Kris Bryant is 4 for 9 against the Reds rookie while Anthony Rizzo is 0 for 14, his most hitless at-bats against any pitcher.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cubs at Reds
Tue, Sep 29 Final 4 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Cubs at Reds
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Cubs at Reds
Thu, Oct 1 - 12:35PM EDT

Preview: Rockies (66-91) at Diamondbacks (76-81)
Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: September 30, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

The Arizona Diamondbacks can't salvage anything more than a .500 season, though they'd surely like to treat their fans to a strong home finish after mostly miserable play at Chase Field down the stretch.


They'll look to pick up another victory there Wednesday night against the Colorado Rockies after opening their final homestand in winning fashion.


Arizona (76-81) is 6-12 at home since Aug. 12, the second-worst mark in the majors in that span behind only Cincinnati's 6-19 record. But in the first of six straight home games to conclude the year, the Diamondbacks won 4-3 in 11 innings Tuesday on Phil Gosselin's pinch-hit single after Colorado reliever Brooks Brown walked the bases loaded.


"I was just trying to see something out over the plate," Gosselin said. "You want to contribute any way you can if you're not starting."


They've had little issue winning in Phoenix against the Rockies lately, taking six of the last seven meetings there while batting .316 with 6.9 runs per game. Paul Goldschmidt, who scored Tuesday's winning run, owns a 1.320 OPS with 19 RBIs and 15 runs scored in his last 17 home games against Colorado.


The Rockies (66-91) had their winning streak snapped at three, though Carlos Gonzalez joined teammate Nolan Arenado in the 40-home run club by going deep for the third time in four games. It's the first time two Colorado players have hit that plateau since Vinny Castilla, Larry Walker and Andres Galarraga did it in 1997. They're also competing with Washington's Bryce Harper for the franchise's first NL home run title since Dante Bichette, Galarraga and Walker each won it from 1995-97.


Jose Reyes was 3 for 5 after missing four games due to an Achilles injury.


Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.40 ERA) struck out a career-high 10 over six innings while giving up only a leadoff home run in Arizona's 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last Wednesday. It was his first start in 15 days after he was temporarily removed from the rotation.


"I thought (Anderson) threw as well as we've seen him, as well as probably early in the year when he was dominating," manager Chip Hale said. "It was really good to see, especially after not being out there in competition for a while."


He baffled Colorado in his first three career matchups last year, winning and limiting the Rockies to one run over six innings in each. He's s 0-3 with a 8.65 ERA in five meetings since, however, including a 9-4 road loss Sept. 2. Arenado has homered against him three times this year, while Charlie Blackmon is 5 for 10 with a home run and two doubles this season.


Colorado's Chad Bettis (8-5, 4.38) is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts, striking out 18 in as many innings. He'll look to overcome a brief yet rough history against Arizona, having surrendered 10 runs in 8 1-3 innings, including four and a career-worst 11 hits over six innings in his club's 5-4 victory Aug. 31.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rockies at Diamondbacks
Tue, Sep 29 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Rockies at Diamondbacks
Wed, Sep 30 - 9:40PM EDT


GAME 3
Rockies at Diamondbacks
Thu, Oct 1 - 9:40PM EDT

Preview: Brewers (67-90) at Padres (73-84)
Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: September 30, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers decided last week to go with an all-rookie rotation for the remainder of the season, and so far, the kids are all right.


Milwaukee will look to pick up a third straight victory behind a rookie pitcher Wednesday night against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.


This plan was more of a matter of circumstance than it was by design for the Brewers. Jimmy Nelson and Wily Peralta were the lone remaining veterans in the starting rotation, but both were shut down last week in light of recent injuries. Nelson was cleared of a concussion after being hit in the head by a liner Sept. 17 against St. Louis, but hasn't pitched since, while Peralta has been bothered by oblique tightness.


Meanwhile, Milwaukee (67-90) has won two in a row and four of six since adjusting its rotation after losing 12 of its previous 15. Rookie starters have combined for a 2.84 ERA over 19 innings in the last four victories, and Jorge Lopez gave up three runs over five innings in his major league debut in Tuesday's 4-3 win.


"It was fun. He did a nice job," manager Craig Counsell said.


The next first-year arm up is Zach Davies (2-2, 4.67 ERA), who comes off perhaps his best showing yet. He limited the Chicago Cubs to two hits over six shutout innings in a 4-1 victory last Wednesday. Davies only walked one after issuing nine free passes in his previous two starts.


"They (rookies) need to prove to themselves that they can have success up here," Counsell said. "I think a night like tonight when he does what he's good at, it works."


San Diego (73-84) has dropped three of four and hasn't been much of a challenge for opposing pitching, hitting .214 with 11 runs scored in that span. Matt Kemp's status is unclear after he left in the fifth inning Tuesday with a sore right hand after hitting the 100 RBI mark earlier in the night for the first time since 2011.


"The other day when I was swinging it started irritating me," Kemp said. "Every time I swing I feel a little pain. I wanted to go on. I'd rather have 80 RBIs and go to the playoffs."


Wil Myers was 1 for 4 after missing Sunday's loss to Arizona due to a sore wrist.


Andrew Cashner (6-15, 4.21) has recorded quality starts in three of his past four outings despite walking batters at a dangerously high rate. He's issued 16 free passes over 23 2-3 innings in that span. Cashner has always been vulnerable to walks, but even his 2.8 walks per nine innings previously pales in comparison to the 6.1 figure in his last four.


He is 1-2 with a 4.43 ERA in four career starts against Milwaukee, including a 4-1 road loss Aug. 4. He allowed two runs over six innings with four walks.


The Brewers rank near the bottom of baseball with a walk every 14.4 plate appearances, though they've drawn nine in their last two games.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Brewers at Padres
Tue, Sep 29 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Brewers at Padres
Wed, Sep 30 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Brewers at Padres
Thu, Oct 1 - 6:40PM EDT

Preview: Dodgers (88-69) at Giants (82-75)
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: September 30, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

After finally putting away the San Francisco Giants, the Los Angeles Dodgers can turn their attention towards a bigger goal.


The newly crowned NL West champion Dodgers now try to gain home-field advantage in the upcoming Division Series as the rivals continue a four-game set Wednesday night at AT&T Park.


Los Angeles (88-69) clinched a third straight division title and eliminated the defending World Series champion Giants 8-0 on Tuesday as Clayton Kershaw outdueled Madison Bumgarner, striking out 13 while throwing a brilliant one-hitter. The reigning NL MVP and Cy Young Award winner retired the final 19 batters, yielding only a single by Kevin Frandsen and a walk to Angel Pagan in the third.


Kike Hernandez, Justin Ruggiano and A.J. Ellis backed Kershaw with solo homers off Bumgarner, who was reached for four runs in 5 2-3 innings.


The Dodgers halted a four-game losing streak and closed within one game of the New York Mets, their NLDS opponent, with five remaining. The Mets, who lost 4-3 to Philadelphia Tuesday, own the tiebreaker in the event both finish with identical records by virtue of winning the season series 4-3.


'We've still got something to play for. We're still trying to fight the Mets for home-field advantage," Kershaw said. "It's kind of a sigh of relief. We weren't playing that well.'


Los Angeles also earned its first road win in eight tries this season against San Francisco (82-75), which has now missed the playoffs the year following its last three titles in 2010, '12 and '14.


'You take that, and you remember that feeling going into the offseason. It's not a good feeling,' Bumgarner said. "You want to be the one celebrating. You let it give you a little bit of fuel for next year.'


With the stakes now reduced, Wednesday's tilt will pit two struggling hurlers in the Giants' Mike Leake and Los Angeles' Mike Bolsinger.


Leake (10-10, 3.89 ERA) is 1-4 with a 5.82 ERA over a six-start stretch and has allowed seven runs in nine innings in losing his past two. The trade deadline pickup surrendered four runs in six innings in Friday's 5-4 defeat at Oakland.


He did pitch well in a Sept. 2 outing at Dodger Stadium, working seven innings of a 2-1 loss to Kershaw, who threw a six-hitter and had a career high-tying 15 strikeouts in.


Andre Ethier, 8 for 17 with six RBIs over a six-game hitting streak, is 7 for 18 with two homers off Leake, who's 2-4 with a 4.89 ERA in six career meetings with Los Angeles. Justin Turner is 6 for 12 in the matchup.


Bolsinger (6-5, 3.48) appears to have hit a wall after providing a lift to the Dodgers' injury-plagued rotation most of the season. After posting a 2.97 ERA through his first 17 starts, he hasn't lasted beyond 4 1-3 innings while going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA in his last three.


The right-hander gave up three homers and four earned runs over four innings in Friday's 7-4 defeat at Colorado, five days after allowing two homers and three earned runs in 4 1-3 innings of a 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh.


Bolsinger is 0-3 with a 4.56 ERA in four previous starts against the Giants but did hold them to one run in 5 2-3 innings at AT&T Park in his April 23 season debut.


Buster Posey, expected to be used exclusively at first base over the remaining five games, is 3 for 6 with a homer versus Bolsinger this season.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Dodgers at Giants
Mon, Sep 28 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Dodgers at Giants
Tue, Sep 29 Final 8 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Dodgers at Giants
Wed, Sep 30 - 10:15PM EDT


GAME 4
Dodgers at Giants
Thu, Oct 1 - 3:45PM EDT

Preview: Athletics (65-93) at Angels (83-74)
Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: September 30, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Angels are now in control of their playoff fate thanks to one of their longest winning streaks of the year.


Before heading into a pivotal series, the Angels try to pad their slim lead with a season-best eighth consecutive victory Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics.


Los Angeles didn't have to sweat too much for its seventh win in a row, taking an early six-run lead Tuesday in an 8-1 victory. With Houston falling 6-4 in Seattle, the Angels (83-74) moved a half-game in front of the Astros for the AL's second wild card.


They also remained just two games back of AL West-leading Texas, a team they'll face four times beginning Thursday in Arlington.


"It's a good feeling. We're in a good spot right now," second baseman Johnny Giavotella said. "We've got five games to play, and we're in control of our destiny. We're going out and playing the best baseball we can, and then we're on the top step with each other - every game, every pitch."


Garrett Richards (15-11, 3.73 ERA) will seek to extend his team's winning streak heading into that series while winning a season-best third consecutive start. The right-hander has a 2.87 ERA in his past two games while receiving a combined 13 runs of support in 15 2-3 innings.


Richards yielded three runs in seven innings in an 8-4 win over Seattle on Friday and fanned eight, giving him 32 strikeouts in his last 28 1-3 innings. He has a 2.37 ERA in his last three matchups with Oakland (65-93) but was outdueled in a 3-2 defeat in his latest one June 21 after winning his previous two.


The A's head into this game having dropped nine of 10 and four in a row away from home.


Barry Zito (0-0, 18.00) will try to end that road skid in what's likely the final start of his career. The 37-year-old left-hander made his major league debut against the then-Anaheim Angels on July 22, 2000, going five innings in a 10-3 win for Oakland.


With Sonny Gray shut down for the year, Zito will pitch on three days' rest, though he didn't pitch too deep in his last one. Making his first major league stars in two years, Zito threw 48 pitches going just two-plus innings in Saturday's 14-10 loss to San Francisco, yielding four runs and six hits.


"I think he couldn't care less about how many pitches he's thrown or going on three days' rest, two days' rest, he's just eager to get another start," manager Bob Melvin told MLB's official website. "To be able to start again, he's going to be a very motivated guy, so you throw rest and pitch counts out the window with a guy like him."


Zito is 12-11 with a 4.14 ERA in 30 starts against the Angels, last facing them in June 2012. The only team he has more wins against is Texas with 18.


Albert Pujols is 8 for 20 with three homers lifetime against Zito. Mike Trout is 3 for 3 with two doubles, and Erick Aybar is 4 for 6.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Athletics at Angels
Mon, Sep 28 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Athletics at Angels
Tue, Sep 29 Final 1 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Athletics at Angels
Wed, Sep 30 - 7:05PM EDT

Preview: Tigers (73-84) at Rangers (85-72)
Game: 3
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: September 30, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The Texas Rangers managed to extend their slim AL West lead by holding on in a seesaw game with Detroit.


They'll get one more matchup with the Tigers on Wednesday night before a pivotal series to end the regular season.


Texas (85-72) remained two games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels and moved 2 1/2 in front of Houston while snapping a three-game skid with a 7-6 victory Tuesday. Shin-Soo Choo homered in a five-run first inning, but the Rangers still needed Adrian Beltre's tiebreaking double in the fourth and Drew Stubbs' running catch in the ninth.


"(All these games) are intense," manager Jeff Banister said. "There's a lot of energy. You hang on every single pitch. ... You see Stubbs track that ball down. There's a little emotion going on inside of all of us."


Texas will take on the Angels in four games beginning Thursday night, and Yovani Gallardo (12-11, 3.42 ERA) will try to help send his club into that series with some momentum in his final scheduled start.


The right-hander, though, hasn't pitched past the sixth inning in any of his last six games and has gotten out of the fifth in two of his last three outings, going 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA. Gallardo gave up two runs in 4 2-3 innings in a 6-2 win in Houston on Friday and is one loss shy of matching his career high from 2009.


The last time he pitched through the sixth inning was a 5-3 win in Detroit (73-84) on Aug. 22, when he left with no outs in the seventh with the Rangers holding a 4-0 lead. That performance was part of a seven-start stretch in which he went 5-0 with a 2.39 ERA.


Gallardo will be opposed by Matt Boyd (1-5, 6.91), who has often struggled on the road in his rookie season. The left-hander is 0-2 with a 9.87 ERA in four starts away from Detroit and his first in Texas will be his final one this year.


He's faced the Rangers twice, going 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA. Boyd has received two runs of support in those outings and gave up three runs in six innings in his latest Aug. 23, a 4-2 loss.


Boyd gave up one hit but walked four and permitted four runs - two earned - over six innings in a 6-4 win over Minnesota on Friday, his fourth consecutive start without a decision. He's 0-3 with a 6.47 ERA in his last eight starts since a 2-1 victory against Kansas City on Aug. 5.


Miguel Cabrera is 4 for 6 lifetime against Gallardo but might sit out with his fourth AL batting title in five years all but wrapped up. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus indicated he planned to sit Cabrera for one of the final two games against Texas and the slugger was the designated hitter Tuesday with Victor Martinez out due to an ailing left quad.


Cabrera is batting .334, 10 points ahead of Boston's Xander Bogaerts, after going 0 for 3 in the loss. He's 1 for 7 in the series and seen his career average against the Rangers drop to .387.


J.D. Martinez could have a clearer mind after becoming the first Tigers outfielder to reach 100 RBIs since Magglio Ordonez had 103 in 2008. Martinez's 38th homer Tuesday gave him 101.


"I felt like I've might of been trying too hard these last few weeks (to reach the milestone), and it definitely feels good not to think about it anymore and just go out there and play," he said.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Tigers at Rangers
Mon, Sep 28 Final 7 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Tigers at Rangers
Tue, Sep 29 Final 6 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 3
Tigers at Rangers
Wed, Sep 30 - 8:05PM EDT

Preview: Astros (83-75) at Mariners (75-83)
Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: September 30, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Houston Astros have spent nearly all of the season in playoff position, but owning the AL's worst road record is a big reason why they're now a pursuer.


The Astros attempt to bounce back from a costly defeat and regain the league's second wild-card spot Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners.


Houston is 30-47 on the road, losing five of its last six to fall one-half game behind the Los Angeles Angels in the wild-card chase. This is the first time the Astros (83-75) have not held a postseason spot since they were 5-6 on April 18.


Overtaking the Angels will require finding success on the road, as their remaining four games - one fewer than Los Angeles - are outside Houston.


The Astros went from hunted to hunters Tuesday, blowing a two-run lead in losing 6-4 at Seattle.


'We're just not getting it done,' pitcher Mike Fiers said. 'We had the game right there, with the lead. I just needed one more out to get out of the inning and keep the momentum going."


Giving the ball to Scott Kazmir (7-11, 2.97 ERA) for his regular-season finale isn't ideal. The left-hander is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA over his last six starts, failing to complete five innings in three.


He's struggled greatly in the last two, surrendering nine runs and 15 hits - three homers - in 7 1-3 innings. Kazmir turned in his worst performance since being acquired from Oakland two months ago, giving up six runs in 3 2-3 innings of Friday's 6-2 loss to Texas.


Manager A.J. Hinch, however, isn't concerned.


"Like anything, the season's late," he told MLB's official website. "It's been a long year and a heavy year for him and all our players. Physically and mentally, our guys are getting after it, but I don't have any concern with him medically."


Kazmir's recent struggles include allowing three runs in 4 1-3 innings while not getting a decision in an 8-3 loss to the Mariners on Sept. 2.


He's 4-2 with a 2.02 ERA in eight starts at Seattle.


The Mariners (75-83) snapped their six-game skid Tuesday after rookie Shawn O'Malley connected for a two-run, bases-loaded single in the eighth.


Robinson Cano had a homer and three RBIs, becoming the eighth second baseman to hit 20 or more in at least six seasons, joining Jeff Kent (12), Dan Uggla (7), Craig Biggio (7), Joe Gordon (7), Rogers Hornsby (7), Bret Boone (6) and Ryne Sandberg (6).


Cano also has the AL's longest active hitting streak at 12 games.


Seattle hasn't announced who will get the start with manager Lloyd McClendon deciding between rookies Mayckol Guaipe (0-3, 5.32) or David Rollins (0-2, 7.88). Neither has a major league start in 37 appearances between them.


Guaipe has allowed one unearned run in one inning over two appearances against Houston, while Rollins has yet to face the AL West rival.


Rollins has struggled at home, compiling an 11.57 ERA in 10 games compared to Guaipe's 4.05 in nine.


Whoever is on the mound will try to slow down George Springer, who is batting .343 with six RBIs in eight games. He's 5 for 8 with a homer, two doubles and two RBIs through the first two of this three-game set, giving him a .441 average in his past nine meetings with the Mariners.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Astros at Mariners
Mon, Sep 28 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Astros at Mariners
Tue, Sep 29 Final 4 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Astros at Mariners
Wed, Sep 30 - 10:10PM EDT

MLB MONEYLINE


MLB > (965) OAKLAND@ (966) LA ANGELS | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play AGAINST OAKLAND using money line in September games
The record is 17 Wins and 36 Losses for the last two seasons (-29.4 units)


MLB > (977) HOUSTON@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-09-30 22:10:00 - 2015-09-30 22:10:00
Play AGAINST SEATTLE using money line after a win
The record is 27 Wins and 47 Losses for the this season (-27.85 units)


MLB > (951) NY METS@ (952) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play ON NY METS using money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 44 Wins and 18 Losses for the last three seasons (+29.19 units)


MLB > (985) MINNESOTA@ (986) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-30 16:05:00 - 2015-09-30 16:05:00
Play ON MINNESOTA using money line when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 46 Wins and 32 Losses for the this season (+21.05 units)


MLB > (971) MINNESOTA@ (972) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Play ON MINNESOTA using money line when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 46 Wins and 32 Losses for the this season (+21.05 units)


MLB > (963) LA DODGERS@ (964) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-09-30 22:15:00 - 2015-09-30 22:15:00
Play AGAINST LA DODGERS using money line in night games
The record is 23 Wins and 32 Losses for the this season (-21.8 units)


MLB > (973) DETROIT@ (974) TEXAS | 2015-09-30 20:05:00 - 2015-09-30 20:05:00
Play ON TEXAS using money line in games played on a grass field
The record is 82 Wins and 68 Losses for the this season (+28.72 units)

MLB RUNLINE


MLB > (969) BOSTON@ (970) NY YANKEES | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON when playing with a day off
The record is 8 Wins and 28 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.55 units)


MLB > (975) KANSAS CITY@ (976) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-09-30 20:10:00 - 2015-09-30 20:10:00
Play ON KANSAS CITY when playing with a day off
The record is 29 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (+24.1 units)


MLB > (977) HOUSTON@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-09-30 22:10:00 - 2015-09-30 22:10:00
Play AGAINST HOUSTON when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 5 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-13.6 units)

MLB > (951) NY METS@ (952) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play ON NY METS when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 29 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.1 units)

MLB > (965) OAKLAND@ (966) LA ANGELS | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play AGAINST OAKLAND when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season
The record is 7 Wins and 16 Losses for the this season (-15.35 units)


MLB > (955) WASHINGTON@ (956) ATLANTA | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Play AGAINST ATLANTA in September games
The record is 15 Wins and 36 Losses for the last two seasons (-27.05 units)


MLB > (963) LA DODGERS@ (964) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-09-30 22:15:00 - 2015-09-30 22:15:00
Play ON SAN FRANCISCO in night games
The record is 65 Wins and 40 Losses for the this season (+25.7 units)

MLB TOTALS


MLB > (961) MILWAUKEE@ (962) SAN DIEGO | 2015-09-30 22:10:00 - 2015-09-30 22:10:00
Play OVER SAN DIEGO on the total against right-handed starters
The record is 71 Overs and 42 Unders for the this season (+28.3 units)


MLB > (965) OAKLAND@ (966) LA ANGELS | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total against division opponents
The record is 44 Overs and 23 Unders for the this season (+20.5 units)


MLB > (985) MINNESOTA@ (986) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-30 16:05:00 - 2015-09-30 16:05:00
Play OVER CLEVELAND on the total against right-handed starters
The record is 32 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+16.1 units)


MLB > (971) MINNESOTA@ (972) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Play OVER CLEVELAND on the total against right-handed starters
The record is 32 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+16.1 units)


MLB > (973) DETROIT@ (974) TEXAS | 2015-09-30 20:05:00 - 2015-09-30 20:05:00
Play OVER DETROIT on the total in road games
The record is 46 Overs and 27 Unders for the this season (+18.7 units)


MLB > (955) WASHINGTON@ (956) ATLANTA | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Play OVER ATLANTA on the total against division opponents
The record is 43 Overs and 26 Unders for the this season (+16.65 units)


MLB > (951) NY METS@ (952) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Play OVER NY METS on the total when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 26 Overs and 11 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.45 units)

MLB TOP POWERLINES


MLB > (971) MINNESOTA @ (972) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-30 16:05:00 - 2015-09-30 16:05:00
Line: MINNESOTA BTB PowerLine: MINNESOTA-156
Edge On: MINNESOTA (24)


MLB > (983) TORONTO @ (984) BALTIMORE | 2015-09-30 16:05:00 - 2015-09-30 16:05:00
Line: TORONTO BTB PowerLine: TORONTO172
Edge On: TORONTO (8)


MLB > (951) NY METS @ (952) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Line: NY METS BTB PowerLine: NY METS198
Edge On: NY METS (28)


MLB > (965) OAKLAND @ (966) LA ANGELS | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Line: OAKLAND BTB PowerLine: OAKLAND-181
Edge On: OAKLAND (34)


MLB > (953) ST LOUIS @ (954) PITTSBURGH | 2015-09-30 19:05:00 - 2015-09-30 19:05:00
Line: PITTSBURGH-143 BTB PowerLine: PITTSBURGH-192
Edge On: PITTSBURGH (49)


MLB > (955) WASHINGTON @ (956) ATLANTA | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Line: WASHINGTON BTB PowerLine: WASHINGTON244
Edge On: WASHINGTON (88)


MLB > (957) CHICAGO CUBS @ (958) CINCINNATI | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Line: CHICAGO CUBS BTB PowerLine: CHICAGO CUBS213
Edge On: CHICAGO CUBS (49)


MLB > (979) MIAMI @ (980) TAMPA BAY | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Line: MIAMI BTB PowerLine: MIAMI-139
Edge On: MIAMI (9)


MLB > (971) MINNESOTA @ (972) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-30 19:10:00 - 2015-09-30 19:10:00
Line: CLEVELAND-131 BTB PowerLine: CLEVELAND-167
Edge On: CLEVELAND (36)


MLB > (973) DETROIT @ (974) TEXAS | 2015-09-30 20:05:00 - 2015-09-30 20:05:00
Line: TEXAS-175 BTB PowerLine: TEXAS-266
Edge On: TEXAS (91)


MLB > (975) KANSAS CITY @ (976) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-09-30 20:10:00 - 2015-09-30 20:10:00
Line: CHI WHITE SOX+107 BTB PowerLine: CHI WHITE SOX-111
Edge On: CHI WHITE SOX (18)


MLB > (959) COLORADO @ (960) ARIZONA | 2015-09-30 21:40:00 - 2015-09-30 21:40:00
Line: COLORADO BTB PowerLine: COLORADO-114
Edge On: COLORADO (31)


MLB > (961) MILWAUKEE @ (962) SAN DIEGO | 2015-09-30 22:10:00 - 2015-09-30 22:10:00
Line: MILWAUKEE BTB PowerLine: MILWAUKEE-123
Edge On: MILWAUKEE (22)


MLB > (963) LA DODGERS @ (964) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-09-30 22:15:00 - 2015-09-30 22:15:00
Line: SAN FRANCISCO-114 BTB PowerLine: SAN FRANCISCO-142
Edge On: SAN FRANCISCO (28)