Monday 9/28/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

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Delaware - Race #3 - Post: 2:15pm - Maiden Special - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $34,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 CRIMSON VALOR (ML=6/1)
#2 RUNAWAY BULL (ML=7/2)
#5 BUON GUSTO (ML=5/2)


CRIMSON VALOR - After the race aboard this horse on September 12th, the jock is going to be in tune with the colt much better. He may be way off the pace, but Cintron should be whipping him at the top of the stretch on the way to the winner's circle. This colt is in excellent form right now. Ran second last out and comes back promptly. RUNAWAY BULL - This colt is in fine condition. Finished third on August 31st. BUON GUSTO - Trainer Breen moves this one down in the class scale to face much lower class horses. Look for a good race in here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 FASHIONABLE FREDDY (ML=9/5), #6 SAY NO MAUX (ML=8/1), #3 DAD (ML=8/1),

SAY NO MAUX - This colt finished off the board on August 5th and wasn't even close last time around the track either. DAD - The finish of sixth in the last race shows me that this equine may be tailing off.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 CRIMSON VALOR to win. Have to have odds of at least 5/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 9/28 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

4,5,7/2,8,10/6,7,8/3,9 = $54


LATE PICK 4: 3/2,3,4,5/5,9/3,5,6,7 = $32

MEET STATS: 340 - 1086 / $1898.00 BEST BETS: 48 - 97 / $155.30

SPOT PLAYS: 14 - 93 / $154.30

Best Bet: L A DELIGHT (2nd)

Spot Play: VELOCITY DRIVEN (7th)


Race 1

(1) LUCK O THE IRISH has won four of his last five, his only loss coming in Grand Circuit action. Last time he raced in OSS Gold company he set a new life's mark; top call. (7) SHOW BIZ HALL has been competitive vs. elders but needs to find more late speed to threaten the choice here. (6) DUH BUBBEES would be a big threat here if he goes. He is also entered in the Grassroots Final Saturday night.

Race 2

(6) L A DELIGHT continues to roll right along and should have no trouble with this group at a very short price. (7) FREE SHOW has excellent early speed and could be the first leader then ride the choice's pocket all the way home for 2nd. (4) THISORTHAT HANOVER has talent and speed but also gait issues. Minor award predicted.

Race 3

(5) MUSCLE UP THE GOAL has faced the best sophomore colt trotters on the continent in his last couple of starts and couldn't threaten. This should be a much easier assignment; top call. (6) SETANTA closed well late last time in his first start in 24 days now adds lasix; beware. (7) ETERNAL QUEST tried it first up against a sharp colt who would be favored if in this race. He can improve if given a better trip here.

Race 4

(5) IM A GIFT was sent first up to chase a very sharp winner last time and tired late. The 2nd-place finisher from that dash has already returned to win; key race? (7) R J B returns from a break and if he can produce an effort similar to his late July performances, he will be right there on the money. (4) NATES BUCKY was a sharp winner three back and excused could be made for his subsequent two miles. Use him in the early pick 4.

Race 5

(8) TOMMYS TROOPER has been showing quicker early speed vs. better than these in his past two starts. Henry will likely be looking to send this one coast-to-coast and very well may succeed. (10) POPLAR DUKE closed strongly in his first start over the Mohawk oval and can be right there vs. these if McNair gets him a good spot early. (2) BEAST MODE has been facing New York Sires Stakes company recently and is obviously is a threat but may be overbet here.

Race 6

(7) MYLITTLESTARSHINE was simply too far back turning for home last week and still passed several horses. Expect Zeron to put her in a better spot from which to pounce here. (6) ROSES IN THE RAIN gets off the half-milers here and gets Filion back which should be two positives; using. (8) SOUTHWIND STRYKER will be a big threat if he can stay trotting but that may be a big 'if'.

Race 7

This race looks loaded with leavers that want the front early which could set it up for stone cold closer (9) VELOCITY DRIVEN; call to upset. (3) ROCK ME AMASTREOS will likely try to impose his will on the other speed and may go all the way if he can steal a breather in one of the first three quarters. (6) DADDY WARBUCKS is another closer that can pass several late if he times his move right.

Race 8

(3) LITTLE RED CHEV raced much better on a helmet most of the way last time which was likely by design considering she was a runaway on the lead two back and broke. Jamieson is likely sending here; top call. (9) CAL CHIPS BROTHER has yet to win this year but raced tough first-over last week and is getting closer. (10) CABERTOSS disappointed last week but keeps Filion and could threaten at a much better price here.

Race 9

(3) DON'T RUSH took a new life's mark last time he contested an OSS Gold event. He should enjoy the drop from facing the very best sophomore trotters in his last few starts. (5) HEMI SEELSTER was conservatively driven last time in a tune-up for this bigger purse. Expect far more aggression early here. (4) COVERT OPERATIVE has raced well all year long and can't be discounted here.

Race 10

(9) THATSOVERYVERYNICE made two moves against the best filly in the division last time and still hung in for third. She should be tough in here as should (5) GOOD WILL HANOVER, who had a better trip and finished 2nd in that race. (6) PARTY IN ROME has been going well and was also entered in the Grassroots Final Saturday night.

Race 11

(3) DAZZLING ROCKETTE paced up a storm in the back 1/2 last week but was too far out of it to contend for the top spot. The post relief will make her a strong contender and likely heavy favorite here. (5) TABOO SEELSTER pressured a solid pace and was only beaten a neck by the choice. She could turn the tables here with a better trip. (6) A LOT OF SENSE gets to leave from the middle of the gate here which should help set up her late charge; contender. (7) B SANTANNAS LOVE was a good second ahead of many of these last week and should make the Super ticket here. (10) MARIGOLD BLOOM hung on for a rare win and now moves to the worst post; minor share is likely her ceiling here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 9/28 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 289 - 879 / $1604.10 BEST BETS: 42 - 70 / $146.10


Best Bet: MORTAL ZIN (9th)

Spot Play: ALL WEEK (10th)


Race 1

(4) LUCKY TERROR was a good second last week to the odds-on favorite and he's just missed in his last two starts when Bartlett drove. (3) SLY RULER never wins, but he gets post relief and should be close up for a share. (1) MYBROTHERGEORGE went evenly last out chasing two tough ones and he can be live from the rail.

Race 2

(3) BUBBIE BOY gets some class and post relief tonight. When in the mood, I think he's better than these and he's back in the hands of the very capable Scott Zeron. (5) COSPICPEDIA is clearly the one to beat but he's lost his last three when in for the 15K claiming tag. (7) RANCOUSY picks up a big driver change to Brennan.

Race 3

(7) VICTORIA'S MUNKY has been in good form recently and appears way overdue to break her maiden. The 'Munky' was a bit funky in the stretch last out when she veered in late, however. (2) PINE BUSH MISSY blew up before the start last out but went evenly once catching the pack; start prior she closed for second at 70/1. (4) OPILOLA HANOVER was empty in her debut for Banca; she's probably better than that.

Race 4

(1) SOUTHWIND MISCHIEF has shown improvement in her three starts since arriving and I guess she's the default selection from this spot. (5) LADY BETH has shown decent speed recently and could land in a good early spot. (6) FOUNTAIN PEN shipped from Delaware to Northfield and promptly took six straight versus their conditioned claimers; he's back East for new connections trying for bigger money.

Race 5

(3) CLEAREDFORTAKEOFF was a solid off-the-pace winner last out and will look to repeat at what might be a decent price again. (5) BOSSERS JOY has the best resume and will probably be the favorite but may need a trip. (4) SHE'S A HOT MESS looks for two straight but loses Sears.

Race 6

(4) FIRST DELIGHT ships in razor-sharp from Saratoga, picks up Bartlett and doesn't face a ton of competition here. (1) SOUTHWIND LEA raced well in her last two, makes sense here from the rail. (5) HIGHLAND ROCKSTAR has been racing well versus tougher claiming types; maybe she can close for a share.

Race 7

(2) STATION THREEOHSIX gets both class and post relief here and the veteran is capable of blowing the doors off this field. (8) FAN OF TERROR fired out, rated the pace and sprinted home nicely last out; Bartlett will be leaving again but it might not be as easy. (4) ROCK SONG toured the track last out, should be more involved tonight.

Race 8

(1) RONNY BUGATTI hasn't fired with his best in some time but he really shouldn't fail from this spot. (4) RURAL ART has been super in his last two and he's definitely the main threat. (2) WESTERN COLE can save ground and hold off the rest.

Race 9

(1) MORTAL ZIN has finally regained his form, and last week was a crisp-closing second once getting free. This is his race to lose. (2) EMPEROR MONTANA N gets needed post relief in his third start for Garcia-Herrera and he should be much more involved. (3) SCREAMAN SEAMAN A hasn't done much recently but he also gets post relief and he should save ground for a piece.

Race 10

(5) ALL WEEK put in an aggressive effort last week but was held off; Adamczyk trainee keeps Bartlett, faces no standouts and appears overdue. (4) SIMPLY BUSINESS toured the track last out from post eight but he should be more involved tonight. (6) CODE WORD has seen better days but he does get Brennan in the bike tonight.

Race 11

(4) SPECIAL T ROCKS never fired last out upon arrival but he moves in a couple of spots and picks up Brennan, who may be able to coax early speed out of him. (5) LUCAN HANOVER drops in class and is much better than he's been showing. (1) HPYNOTIST pulled off the rail last week and went nowhere but that's not his game. He'll save ground tonight and rally late.

Race 12

(6) CHALEURS FANTASY is a bit of a stab here but she's looked sharp for Heidi Rohr since arriving from Quebec and seems worth considering. (2) ALLTHATJAZZ DE VIE drops out of NYSS competition into a more suitable spot. (5) LITTLE JOKE waltzed around the track last week to beat lesser and should have to work harder tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Delaware Park (3rd) Crimson Valor, 6-1
(4th) Sense and Sensible, 3-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Sky Fortune, 9-2
(8th) Approval, 6-1


Mountaineer (5th) Bears Grace, 4-1
(7th) Dorothy's Diamond, 3-1


Parx Racing (2nd) Bluegrass Demon, 5-1
(10th) Water Tower, 4-1

Presque Isle Downs (1st) Valueable Charmer, 6-1
(4th) Lovely Lioness, 6-1


Thistledown (1st) Meadow Joy, 3-1
(7th) Moonshine Promise, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (63-92) at Nationals (79-76)

Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 28, 2015 3:05 PM EDT

The frustration seemed to boil over for the Washington Nationals this weekend when their MVP frontrunner and closer came to blows in the dugout.

Max Scherzer's recent struggles played a small part in the club's elimination from playoff contention, and the high-priced right-hander will make one of his final starts this season in Monday's home finale against the Cincinnati Reds.

The feud between Bryce Harper and Jonathan Papelbon blew up in Sunday's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia after Papelbon jawed at the outfielder following a flyout in the eighth. Things became physical when the pitcher lunged at Harper and pushed him against the bench.

Harper was pulled from the game - something the outfielder said was scheduled - but Papelbon surprisingly went back out for the ninth. He was then charged with five runs - two earned - while getting credit for the Nationals' fifth loss in six games.

"He apologized," said Harper, who is slated to have the day off Monday. "It's like brothers fighting. That's what happens. Hopefully, we'll move forward and I'll do what I can for the next six days to have some fun and play the game."

Harper, the NL leader in batting average and home runs, appeared to call out Papelbon earlier this week for plunking Baltimore's Manny Machado in a 4-3 loss Wednesday.

"I mean Manny freaking hit a homer," Harper said at the time. "Walked it off and somebody drilled him. I mean, it's pretty tired. It's one of those situations where it happens and, I don't know, I'll probably get drilled tomorrow."

It might have seemed unimaginable that their season would end this way after the Nationals won the Scherzer sweepstakes in January. A seven-year, $210 million deal for the 2013 AL Cy Young Award winner made them a popular pick to take the NL pennant and at least their third NL East title in four years.

Those two playoff appearances each ended in the division series and Scherzer was expected to help get them over the hump. Instead, the Nationals (79-76) are in line to finish far behind the New York Mets in the division.

Scherzer (12-12, 2.98 ERA) has gone 1-4 with a 4.85 ERA in his last nine starts and took the loss Wednesday against the Orioles, yielding four runs over 6 2-3 innings.

"When you have the type of talent that we have in this clubhouse and we aren't able to succeed," Scherzer told MLB's official website, "everybody needs to reflect on what they need to do better to be able to do what they need to do for 2016."

Scherzer is scheduled to make two more starts beginning with this makeup game against the Reds (63-92) stemming from a July 8 rainout. He took a 5-0 loss July 7 in his only start versus Cincinnati this season, allowing five runs in 4 2-3 innings, but will face a team that's mired in one of its longest losing streaks of 2015.

An 8-1 defeat to the Mets on Sunday was the Reds' eighth in a row, one shy of matching a season worst. Cincinnati will try to end it by finishing 6-0 against Washington.

Brandon Finnegan (1-1, 4.97) will try to lead the Reds to their first season sweep in the series in his third career start. The left-hander, acquired from Kansas City on July 26, took a 5-3 win at Milwaukee in his first outing Sept. 18 but was tagged for six runs in five innings of a 10-2 loss in St. Louis on Wednesday.

Joey Votto has reached base in 44 straight games, the Reds' longest streak since Pete Rose's team-record 48 in a row in 1978 and one shy of matching MLB's longest this season.

"He's been terrific," manager Bryan Price said. "It's a huge bounce back year after missing 100 games last year, and that's been great to see."

Votto, hitting .370 with a 1.211 OPS during his streak, has batted .414 during a seven-game hit streak against Washington.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (98-58) at Pirates (95-61)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 28, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

No matter how well the St. Louis Cardinals have played throughout their stellar season, they haven't been able to pull away from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Central race.

That could change in a matter of days.

St. Louis can wrap up its third straight division title by taking two out of three in Pittsburgh beginning Monday night, but the Pirates don't plan to settle for a wild-card berth and will look to continue giving Lance Lynn troubles in the series opener.

The Cardinals (98-58) have held baseball's best record for most of 2015 and have been in first place in the Central since April 16. However, they hold only a three-game lead with six to play on the Pirates (95-61), who haven't won a division title since the last of three straight in 1992.

Pittsburgh has hosted the last two NL wild-card games after finishing three behind St. Louis in 2013 and two back last season. It cut into the Cardinals' lead by winning eight straight before managing just one hit in Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

The Pirates failed to pull closer after St. Louis blew a 3-1 ninth-inning lead in an 8-4 loss to Milwaukee earlier in the day. The Cardinals were 86-0 when leading after eight innings.

"This series was going to be meaningful no matter what," said Cardinals' infielder Matt Carpenter, who is batting .375 with six homers over his last 12 games. "It just looks like it's getting a little more. We have an opportunity to go in there and send a message. We're going to go there and try to win a division."

Pittsburgh has other ideas, and facing Lynn (12-10, 3.16) again could work out in their favor. The right-hander has a 5.25 ERA in 17 starts including playoffs against the Pirates. He lasted just four innings of a 5-2 loss July 10 before recording only two outs and giving up a career high-tying seven runs in the shortest start of his career Aug. 13.

Lynn went 0-2 with a 9.26 ERA over his previous three starts before pitching six scoreless innings of Wednesday's 10-2 win over Cincinnati. His average of 3.48 walks per nine innings is among the highest in the majors, but he didn't issue a free pass for the second time in his 29 starts.

'I got outs,' Lynn said. 'I wasn't worried about anything.'

Jordy Mercer is 7 for 15 lifetime off Lynn, but Andrew McCutchen is 7 for 42 with 16 strikeouts in their matchups.

McCutchen is hitting .136 over his last seven but was the only Pirate other than Gregory Polanco to reach base against Jake Arrieta on Sunday after being hit with a pitch.

Pittsburgh was shut out for the first time since Aug. 30 and failed to get more than one hit for the first time since being no-hit by Washington's Max Scherzer on June 20.

"We'll move on,' manager Clint Hurdle said. 'We get to go back home and play the team we're hunting. So it's good, it's real good.'

J.A. Happ (10-8, 3.88) has gone 6-2 with a 2.28 ERA in nine starts since being acquired at the trade deadline after striking out eight in 5 1-3 innings of Tuesday's 6-3 win over Colorado.

The left-hander had his best start during his resurgence against the Cardinals on Sept. 4, allowing three hits and striking out eight in seven scoreless innings of a 9-3 victory.

These clubs have split 16 meetings this season. The Pirates won three of four during the Cardinals' last visit to PNC Park from July 9-12.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (90-65) at Orioles (76-79)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: September 28, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

An AL East title and possible home-field advantage throughout the playoffs are very much within reach for the Toronto Blue Jays, the majors' highest scoring team that now faces one that hasn't produced a run in three straight games.

The Blue Jays conclude the regular season with a seven-game road trip that begins with Monday night's matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.

Toronto, which secured its first postseason berth since 1993 Friday, has a magic number of four to clinch the AL East. The Blue Jays (90-65) are also battling Kansas City for the league's best record with the chance to spend the majority of the postseason at Rogers Centre.

'I wouldn't even say that having the best record is our first goal,' third baseman Josh Donaldson said. 'Our first goal is to win the division.'

Donaldson brought the Blue Jays a step closer by homering with two outs in the bottom of the ninth in Sunday's 5-4 victory over Tampa Bay that closed out the regular-season home schedule. Toronto ended 53-28 at Rogers Centre, tying Houston for the AL's best home mark.

The Blue Jays have won four straight and seem to stand a good chance of extending the streak in the opener of this three-game series, considering the Orioles' offensive woes and Chris Tillman's struggles against Toronto's potent lineup.

Toronto has hit .407 with nine home runs in five season meetings with Tillman (10-11, 5.16), who's 0-4 with a 15.50 ERA in those matchups. Kevin Pillar is 5 for 10 with three homers against him, Ryan Goins is 5 for 6, Donaldson is 4 for 11 with a homer and Edwin Encarnacion is 4 for 9 with a home run this season.

Jose Bautista, who homered three times in the Tampa Bay series, has three in 36 career at-bats against Tillman.

Tillman had been struggling regardless of the opponent before allowing three runs in six innings in Wednesday's 4-3 win at Washington. He had been 0-4 with a 7.76 ERA over his previous six starts, including a 10-4 loss at Toronto Sept. 6 in which he surrendered three homers and six runs in three-plus innings.

Baltimore (76-79) also has room for improvement from a lineup mired in a 28-inning scoreless drought. The Orioles mustered two extra-base hits and 12 overall while being swept at Boston, the first time they've been shut out in three straight since July 29-31, 1957.

"Sometimes you've got to tip your cap to the pitchers. "They had us off-balance the entire series," said outfielder Adam Jones, who went 1 for 4 in Sunday's 2-0 loss after missing five straight games with back spasms. "We hit balls hard right at guys, just nothing to show for it. It happens like that."

The Orioles draw another challenge Monday against Marco Estrada (13-8, 3.13), who is 3-1 with a 2.32 ERA in his past five road starts.

The right-hander is 6-2 with a 2.51 ERA over his last 11 outings, allowing two runs over 6 2-3 innings before leaving without a decision in a 6-4 loss to the Yankees on Tuesday.

He's 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three 2015 starts against Baltimore, permitting three runs in five innings in the lone loss May 11 at Camden Yards. Estrada allowed two runs and two hits in five innings when opposing Tillman Sept. 6.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (75-80) at Yankees (86-69)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 28, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Closing in on the AL wild-card game, the New York Yankees have more uncertainty over who'll be pitching it.

The Yankees enter Monday night's opener of a four-game series with the visiting Boston Red Sox owning a magic number of three to clinch a postseason berth, most likely as the host of the one-game playoff. New York (86-69) holds a comfortable 4 1/2-game lead over Houston for the first wild card and trails AL East-leading Toronto by four with seven remaining.

Manager Joe Girardi's options for next Tuesday's wild-card game are far more cloudy due to Masahiro Tanaka's ailing hamstring. While he's hopeful of Tanaka starting sometime this series as a final tuneup, Girardi still wasn't sure as of Sunday whether his ace would be available.

"That's something we have to decide on how he feels. I know everyone wants an answer, but it's really not that simple because of his value to us moving forward," Girardi said prior to his team's 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. "It's something you have to weigh. Is it worth the risk maybe moving it up a day or two days if you need him, to what could possibly happen? It's a careful situation that we're trying to manage. I wish I knew, really."

What is known is Ivan Nova (6-9, 4.87 ERA) will start Monday.

After being dropped from the rotation when tagged for six runs in 1 2-3 innings in a Sept. 12 loss to the Blue Jays, the right-hander held Toronto to one run and struck out six over 5 2-3 innings as Tanaka's replacement in Wednesday's 4-0 defeat to Toronto.

'He did a tremendous job for us,' Girardi said. 'It's unfortunate we weren't able to score him any runs.'

It was a rare recent strong outing for Nova, who's 1-5 with a 7.31 ERA over his past six starts and 1-4 with a 9.41 ERA in his last five at Yankee Stadium.

Nova has lost both season meetings with Boston (75-80), most recently a 4-3 road decision Aug. 31 in which he allowed three runs on homers by David Ortiz and Mookie Betts in six innings.

Ortiz, who's homered five times in his last 10 games at Yankee Stadium, is 4 for 6 off Nova this season.

Eduardo Rodriguez (9-6, 3.97) opposed Nova last month and takes the mound Monday looking to continue a streak of 29 consecutive scoreless innings by Boston pitchers. The Red Sox posted shutouts in each outing of a three-game sweep of Baltimore capped by a 2-0 win in Sunday's home finale.

Boston last swept a three-game set with all shutouts Sept. 19-21, 1958 against the Washington Senators.

'To say you're going to shut out the Baltimore Orioles for three straight games, I would have never believed it,' Red Sox interim manager Torey Lovullo said. 'Our pitchers deserve so much credit for that.'

Rodriguez is 3-1 with a 2.17 ERA over his last six starts and 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in three against the Yankees, whom the rookie held to one earned run over five-plus innings on Aug. 31. He yielded two in seven innings of a 2-1 loss Aug. 6 in his lone Yankee Stadium appearance.

The 22-year-old left-hander has an 8.53 ERA in losing all four road starts since the All-Star break.

Rodriguez also has struggled against a few Yankee regulars. Jacoby Ellsbury is 4 for 9 with two homers off him, Alex Rodriguez 4 for 9 with one homer and Didi Gregorius 4 for 8.

The Yankees are one win away from becoming the first AL team with 10,000 regular-season victories.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (80-75) at Indians (77-77)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

With the Minnesota Twins in the heart of a pennant race, Trevor Plouffe figures to be back in the lineup Monday night.

He and the Twins face a tough assignment against Corey Kluber, although Phil Hughes outpitched the Cleveland Indians ace last week.

Hughes will try to reverse his poor history at Progressive Field when these right-handers meet again in the opener of a four-game series.

Minnesota (80-75) trails Houston by 1 1/2 games for the AL's second wild card, while Cleveland (77-77) is four games back.

Plouffe, who leads the Twins with 82 RBIs, sat out Sunday's 7-1 victory at Detroit due to illness. The slugger, hitless in his last 11 at-bats, is one of numerous Twins to be suffering from a bug and labored through an 0-for-4 effort in Saturday's 6-2 win.

"Last night, it was a little tough on him physically," manager Paul Molitor told MLB's official website. "I don't really want to take him out, but I think it's the right thing."

Plouffe entered the season with a .360 average in 25 at-bats versus Kluber (8-15, 3.55 ERA) but has gone 2 for 11 in that matchup this year. He singled and doubled against the Indians ace last Wednesday as Kluber lasted a season-low 3 2-3 innings and was charged with four runs in a 4-2 loss.

The right-hander had gone 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his first three 2015 starts versus the Twins before he missed 19 days with a hamstring injury. In two post-injury starts, he's allowed seven runs in 7 2-3 innings.

"I'm healthy enough to go out there and take the ball," Kluber said. "I don't think that's an excuse to make."

Torii Hunter is a .136 hitter against Kluber and Brian Dozier is at .133.

Hughes (11-9, 4.43) won for the first time in three starts since returning from some back issues when he limited the Indians to four hits in five scoreless innings opposite Kluber. The Twins starter posted a 12.38 ERA over his three previous outings.

"I wasn't in a position where I was feeling great about myself," Hughes said. "Having this outing was a step in the right direction."

The right-hander is 2-2 with a 6.43 ERA in four starts versus the Indians this year. His 6.39 career ERA at Cleveland is his second-worst in an AL city to his 7.36 in Anaheim.

Carlos Santana has faced Hughes the most among Indians hitters, going 3 for 21 - including 2 for 9 this year. Jason Kipnis is 4 for 10 in this matchup in 2015.

Molitor plans to rest Kurt Suzuki, who is 0 for 10 against Kluber and has caught the last seven games. Chris Herrmann is expected to start behind the plate.

Three Minnesota rookies posted notable firsts Sunday. Byron Buxton hit his first homer, Miguel Sano his first triple and Max Kepler struck out as a pinch-hitter in his big-league debut.

The Indians, who have won 15 of their last 20 at home, capped a 3-3 trip with Sunday's 3-0 loss to Kansas City.

Michael Brantley returned Sunday after missing four games with a shoulder injury. He is hitting .375 against Minnesota this year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (72-83) at Rangers (84-71)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: September 28, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

One of MLB's best home teams over the past two months, the Texas Rangers will get to finish off their pursuit of the AL West title on their own field.

Colby Lewis will seek to open a seven-game homestand by outdueling the Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander again Monday night.

Texas (84-71) has won 23 of 30 on its own field and used that success to help boost it past Houston in the division. They had a 4 1/2-game lead over the Astros after a 6-2 victory Friday but dropped the final two contests to keep their magic number at five.

"We want to be in our house," manager Jeff Banister told MLB's official website. "If we get to do what we want to do, we'll get to do it in our house."

Texas will seek to move closer to a division title while adding to Detroit's first losing season in seven years. The Tigers (72-83) were guaranteed that with a 6-2 loss to Minnesota on Saturday and they fell 7-1 in Sunday's finale.

Lewis (17-8, 4.36 ERA) will try to send them to another loss while becoming the Rangers' 11th pitcher to reach 18 wins and first since Matt Harrison in 2012. Often the beneficiary of robust run support, the right-hander has also aided his own cause lately with a 1.71 ERA in three consecutive winning starts and yielded two runs in six innings in a 10-3 victory at Oakland on Wednesday.

Lewis went seven innings in a 2-0 win Aug. 21 against Detroit, and Verlander (4-8, 3.49) gave up both runs with one earned in his seven innings.

The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner has endured an injury-shortened campaign in which he's made 18 starts and often seen lackluster run support, 3.26 per nine innings. He got enough for his first victory in four outings Wednesday, allowing three runs over seven innings in a 7-4 decision against the Chicago White Sox.

Verlander was 0-2 with a 3.74 ERA in his previous three starts but got a combined five runs to work with.

Verlander also showed renewed life on his fastball, cranking one up to 99 mph against his final better and four others at 98. He's set to make two more starts, including the season finale Sunday at the White Sox.

"That's impressive. Especially in September, late in the season, finding a way to bear down and reach back for all you've got for a couple pitches, very impressive. That's vintage (Verlander)," catcher James McCann said.

The Rangers won three of four in Detroit from Aug. 20-23 in their only other series with the Tigers this season despite Miguel Cabrera's torrid performances at the plate.

Cabrera went 9 for 14 with four doubles in that series and is a career .393 hitter against the Rangers. The only AL team he has a better average against is his current one (.417 in three games).

That could aid his pursuit of a fourth AL batting title. Cabrera's .337 average currently puts him 13 points ahead of Boston's Xander Bogaerts.

Cabrera had two doubles in his three at-bats against Lewis in August.

Former teammate Prince Fielder, batting .171 in his last 10 games, went 2 for 11 in the series in Detroit and dropped his career average against the Tigers to .209, his worst versus any team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (90-65) at Cubs (90-65)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 28, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals rode a wild-card berth all the way to the World Series last season following many years of disappointment.

If the Chicago Cubs are able to do the same in 2015, the Royals plan on meeting them in the Fall Classic.

The playoff teams square off Monday night at Wrigley Field in a makeup of a May rainout.

Kansas City (90-65) beat Oakland in last year's AL wild-card game in its first postseason appearance since winning the 1985 championship before falling to San Francisco in Game 7 of the World Series.

That run came as a beloved underdog, which the Cubs (90-65) know something about having not won a title since 1908. The AL Central champs will have more of a target on their backs this year, though, as they are tied with Toronto for the AL's best record.

The Royals joined the 1919-25 Philadelphia Athletics as the only clubs to improve their win total for six straight seasons after beating Cleveland 6-3 on Sunday.

"It's a testament to (general manager Dayton Moore) and how he has built this organization up," manager Ned Yost said. "It's a testament to these young players, that they continue to not be satisfied. They continue to strive to do better and be better."

Theo Epstein's rebuilding plan also has come to fruition, with the Cubs set to make their first playoff appearance since 2008 led by a host of rookies under first-year manager Joe Maddon.

Jake Arrieta is bidding to become Chicago's first Cy Young winner since Greg Maddux in 1992 and added another stellar effort to his resume Sunday, pitching seven innings of one-hit ball and homering in a 4-0 victory over Pittsburgh that was a potential preview of the NL wild-card game set for Oct. 7.

Kris Bryant has continued making his case for the league's Rookie of the Year by hitting .452 with two homers and seven doubles over his last 11. He drove in his 99th run Sunday, and Starlin Castro added a two-run double as the Cubs snapped a three-game skid.

The Royals beat the Cubs 8-4 on May 29 before the following day's game was rained out. Yordano Ventura (12-8, 4.40 ERA) allowed one run in seven innings May 31, but Chicago won 2-1 in 11 innings.

The right-hander will take the Wrigley Field mound again in this makeup contest looking to improve on his 5.32 ERA over his last four starts. Ventura pitched six innings of Kansas City's 4-3, 10-inning win over Seattle on Wednesday.

He'll oppose Kyle Hendricks (7-7, 4.23), who is looking to find some consistency in hopes of being a part of the Cubs' playoff rotation should they advance into the division series.

Hendricks retired the first 14 batters he faced Wednesday against Milwaukee before giving up a run in the fifth and two more without recording an out in the seventh of a 4-1 loss.

The right-hander struck out eight and didn't walk a batter for the second straight outing.

"He's a young major league pitcher, he's going to keep getting better," Maddon said of the 25-year-old. "He had it all going on. He pitched really well, we just didn't score any runs."

It's unclear if Hendricks will have to face Kendrys Morales, who sat out Sunday with a bruised right ankle after being hit with a pitch the day before.

Morales is hitting .391 with four homers in his last five road games.

Alex Gordon is batting .118 with 16 strikeouts over his past nine, but he went 4 for 8 with a home run against the Cubs in May.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (82-74) at Mariners (74-82)

Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: September 28, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Houston Astros are hoping the road trip they're about to begin will last longer than six games.

They have a slender lead for the AL's second wild card and still harbor AL West title hopes as they open a three-game series Monday night against the Seattle Mariners.

Houston (82-74) is one-half game ahead of the Los Angeles Angels and 1 1/2 in front of Minnesota in the wild-card standings. The Astros trail first-place Texas by 2 1/2 games in the division race.

This trip through Seattle (74-82) and Arizona will extend if Houston reaches the playoffs. The club told players to bring their passports for a potential visit to East-leading Toronto next week.

The Astros, a major league-best 15-8 on the road through the end of May, are 8-20 away from home since the All-Star break to tie Oakland for baseball's second-worst mark.

"I wish I could explain what's happened," manager A.J. Hinch said. "I'm trying to put myself back in the mind-set in April and May when I was asked why we were so good on the road and why we were bad at home."

Houston closed its home slate with Sunday's 4-2 win over Texas behind Dallas Keuchel, who went 15-0 at Minute Maid Park this year after striking out 10 in seven innings. Jake Marisnick gave Houston the lead for good with a two-run double in the second inning.

"We want to put as much pressure on the Rangers as we can," Hinch said.

Chris Carter has homered in four straight starts. Hinch says he will continue to platoon Carter with the lefty-swinging Luis Valbuena.

Carter figures to be in the lineup for a majority of this series since the Mariners have tabbed lefties Roenis Elias (5-8, 3.94) and Vidal Nuno to start Monday and Tuesday.

"I'd expect to see him play a big role for us this final week," Hinch said. "We've got two lefties to kick off this Mariners series."

Seattle is 2-6 in Elias' home starts, with the southpaw going 2-4 with a 3.86 ERA. He is 1-2 with a 6.65 ERA in four overall outings versus Houston this year.

Elias is 1-2 with a 3.21 ERA in five starts since being recalled Aug. 23 from Triple-A Tacoma. Carter is 1 for 8 against him this year and Evan Gattis 4 for 9 with a homer.

The Astros have dropped the last five starts made by Lance McCullers (5-7, 3.22), who is 0-4 with a 4.70 ERA in his previous seven.

The rookie right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in two starts against Seattle during which he opposed Elias both times. His road ERA is 4.88 compared to .186 at home.

Seattle clinched its fifth losing season in six years with a fifth straight loss, 3-2 to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday to cap a 3-6 trip.

Perhaps the biggest intrigue on this six-game homestand will be whether Nelson Cruz finishes on top of the majors in homers again. He's tied with Baltimore's Chris Davis for the lead with 43.

The Astros' Carlos Gomez has missed the last 14 games with an intercostal strain, but there's a chance he could return later in this series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (87-68) at Giants (81-74)

Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: September 28, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers' difficulty clinching the NL West has kept the San Francisco Giants' slim playoff hopes alive heading into the rivals' four-game series at AT&T Park.

Zack Greinke can snuff out the remaining drama by winning his eighth straight start against the Giants and helping the Dodgers secure a third consecutive division title Monday night.

Los Angeles (87-68) has lost seven of nine after Colorado completed a three-game home sweep of the Dodgers with Sunday's 12-5 victory. The magic number still stands at two to clinch the West after San Francisco (81-74) won the final two of a three-game series at Oakland.

A Los Angeles win at any point this series would wrap up the division and eliminate the defending World Series champion Giants from postseason contention.

'They're a good ballclub,' Sunday's losing pitcher Alex Wood said. 'I know the last thing on anybody's minds in the San Francisco clubhouse is losing to us and letting us clinch on their field.'

Having Greinke (18-3, 1.65 ERA) on the mound certainly increases the Dodgers' chances of doing just that. He's won seven consecutive starts against the Giants while posting a 1.90 ERA, including victories at Dodger Stadium on April 29 and Sept. 1 in the only two this year.

The right-hander, who has won his last two outings at AT&T Park with a combined 13 scoreless innings, has boosted his Cy Young candidacy with victories in his last five starts overall with a 1.53 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.

Greinke gave up two runs in seven innings of a 6-2 win over Pittsburgh in his last outing Sept. 18, then skipped his next turn in the rotation because of a tight calf.

"He came into my office the day after the start or the next day and he told me what he was feeling," manager Don Mattingly told MLB's official website. "We were just hoping it would resolve over the week, and for the most part it doesn't feel really serious, but at this point we don't want to take any chances with him."

The Dodgers have won the last four meetings, but they've dropped the six matchups in San Francisco this season and were shut out in all three games during their last trip there May 19-21.

The Giants will need to extend that home streak to 10 or they'll continue the trend of missing the playoffs in odd years between championships. They're not going down without a fight, though, having scored at least four runs in seven straight.

'I wish we were in a little better position, but the standings are what they are,' manager Bruce Bochy said. 'We'll go in and try to win a game. Whatever happens, happens.'

Jake Peavy (7-6, 3.83) looks to help the Giants stave off elimination. He has a 1.42 ERA over his last three starts after pitching six scoreless innings in the Giants' 5-4 loss to San Diego on Wednesday.

Peavy's 14 wins over the Dodgers are his second most against any club, but he's 0-1 with a 4.34 ERA in three starts against them since joining San Francisco last season. He gave up four runs - including homers to Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier - in 5 2-3 innings of the Giants' 5-4, 14-inning loss Aug. 31 in his only start against Los Angeles this season.

Three of Gonzalez's five hits in 20 at-bats against Peavy have left the park, and Mattingly is hoping he'll be back in the lineup after missing his third game in four days Sunday with a pinched nerve in his back.

"He sounded encouraged," Mattingly said. "We're hopeful for (Monday). We'll see where he's at."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brewers shut down Braun
The Sports Xchange

Milwaukee right fielder Ryan Braun's season has come to an end.

The Brewers shut down Braun on Sunday because of a lack of progress in rehabbing his balky back. He most likely will have surgery in the offseason.

Braun has quietly enjoyed a productive season. In 139 games, he has belted 25 home runs and driven in 84. He also has stolen 24 bases.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Harper, Papelbon scuffle before Nationals' 9th-inning meltdown
The Sports Xchange

WASHINGTON -- MVP candidate Bryce Harper did not take the field for an epic collapse by the Washington Nationals in the top of the ninth after a scuffle in the dugout with closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Phillies shortstop Andres Blanco hit a two-run homer off Papelbon with one out in the top of the ninth to break a tie as the Philadelphia Phillies, with eight runs in the ninth, beat the Nationals 12-5 on Sunday.

Television cameras showed Papelbon and teammate and Harper getting into a scuffle in the dugout in the eighth inning. Harper did not take the field for the top of the ninth as Papelbon gave up the go-ahead runs.

Washington (79-76) lost at home for the ninth time in 13 games as home fans booed Papelbon when he was pulled in the ninth.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Niese embraces move bullpen for postseason
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

CINCINNATI -- The smell of stale beer and champagne still was noticeable in the New York Mets' clubhouse at Great American Ball Park as a dehumidifier churned to further alleviate the stench the morning after Saturday night's National League East division title clincher.

"It was awesome," said Mets left-hander Jon Niese of Saturday night's celebration. "It's a great feeling. It's been a long (nine) years for the fans, and us. Just glad that everybody was patient and stuck with us."

Niese now is prepared to help his team make a deep run in the postseason. And, he'll do so out of the bullpen.

"I wanted to do anything to help the team," said Niese who's made 29 starts this season. "From here to the end of the season, I'll just go down there and pitch the same. Attack hitters, attack the strike zone."

The last and only time Niese has pitched out of the bullpen was on July 10, 2011, when he allowed two hits and two runs in one-third of an inning in a 4-2 loss at San Francisco.

Right-hander Bartolo Colon was another candidate for a relief role but he's now scheduled to start on Tuesday in Philadelphia, followed by right-hander Steven Matz on Wednesday and right-hander Logan Verrett in Thursday's finale.

With the division crown wrapper up, Mets manager Terry Collins said the club still is focused on earning home-field advantage in the division series. New York (89-67) leads the Los Angeles Dodgers by one game in that endeavor following Sunday's 8-1 win at Cincinnati.

The Mets own the tie-breaker over Los Angeles having won the season series.

"We like playing at home," said Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom. "That's what we want to do. Everybody's going out there and giving 100 percent every day."

Niese plans to do his part out of the bullpen.

"Being in the bullpen, coming into crucial situations to a lefty out, I'm glad to be that guy," he said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Protective Reds shut down rookie RHP Iglesias
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

CINCINNATI -- An encouraging rookie season for Cincinnati Reds right-hander Raisel Iglesias will end prematurely, manager Bryan Price announced Sunday.

Iglesias hasn't pitched since Sept. 13 due to shoulder fatigue.

"There are some things we'd like to accomplish before we let him pitch and there just isn't time," Price said.

Iglesias, 25, made 18 appearances including 16 starts this season for Cincinnati, going 3-7 with a 4.14 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 95 1/3 innings.

The Cuban defector signed a seven-year, $27 million- deal with the Reds in June 2014 and made his major-league debut this season without pitching in the minors.

On Aug. 23 against the Diamondbacks, Iglesias became the first Reds rookie pitcher to record 13 strikeouts in a game since 1967.

It was the most strikeouts for a Cincinnati rookie since Gary Nolan fanned 15 San Francisco Giants on June 7, 1967.

Price said Iglesias' shoulder fatigue and range of motion issue isn't anything uncommon for pitchers.

But, with the Reds mired in last place in the National League Central and riding an eight-game losing streak following Sunday's 8-1 loss to the New York Mets, they plan to protect Iglesias, who could be considered the centerpiece of their rookie-laden rotation in 2016.

"It didn't make any sense to pitch him again this season," Price said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Twins still in running for wild-card spot
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

DETROIT -- Terry Ryan knew what was in the pipeline, and that shored up the Minnesota general manager's belief last winter the Twins would be a decent baseball team this season.

"We felt good coming out of spring training, even with the situation about Ervin Santana," Ryan said Sunday after Minnesota completed winning two of three against Detroit, taking a 7-1 decision. "We talked about (being in the hunt for) the postseason all the way back in February."

Minnesota opened at Detroit and got pounded in three straight games. The Twins stood 1-6 before the turnaround began.

"We've been resilient all year," he said. "We did bounce back. We were even in first place at one point.

"We aren't where we want to be at this point. But we do have a week to get there."

Ryan pointed out Minnesota began its 1991 World Series winning season 2-9, so beginnings aren't a barometer for endings.

"Now it's on to Cleveland -- and they're right behind us," manager Paul Molitor said. "We've got to try to figure out a way to get it done there. And we're going up against some awfully good pitching."

A wave of position players has come up to the Twins, who have some pitching prospects expected in a year or two.

Aaron Hicks has turned a career of disappointment into a season of hope. Kennys Vargas didn't live up to expectations but Miguel Sano has exceeded them. Eddie Rosario has had an excellent rookie season and, if Minnesota's pitching isn't spectacular, it is serviceable, with a bullpen that has been very good.

"We knew we had some young guys coming," Ryan said, "and some young guys already on the team who were going to get better. Of course, we had a few guys who we thought would be better who haven't been."

For now, it's on to Cleveland. Then home to face Kansas City.

Then, maybe, a wild-card game...

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees still uncertain of injured Tanaka's status
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

NEW YORK -- For fans of the New York Yankees, the question they want answered is when will Masahiro Tanaka make his next start after being idle for over a week due to a Grade One hamstring strain.

The answer is not clear cut or definitive.

"I know everyone wants an answer," New York manager Joe Girardi said before Sunday's 6-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. "It's really not that simple because of his value to us moving forward. It's something you have to weigh.

"Is it worth the risk maybe moving it up a day if you need him to what could possibly happen? It's a careful situation that we're trying to manage. I wish I knew really."

The Yankees are hoping it will be some point during their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox. What they do know is Tanaka will not be starting Monday but they hope he fills in the next three days when the probable pitcher is TBA.

As in to be announced.

The Yankees do not have anything to announce because they are awaiting Tanaka to get through all the necessary hurdles before clearing him for a return.

So far, Tanaka played catch Thursday, threw a bullpen session Friday and threw off flat ground Sunday. It is expected he will do fielding drills and some running, the most important steps to pass for players with leg injuries.

"I'm not ready to talk anything about that yet," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "As for now, for me, I'm just happy with the way I'm progressing."

The Yankees have seven games remaining after Sunday and a wild-card play-in game would be Oct. 6. To use Tanaka in the play-in game, Thursday would likely be his cut-off point for starting, though Girardi said he might make a one-inning cameo to stay sharp.

Of course, even with a fairly comfortable margin in front of the Houston Astros, the Yankees are not ready to start making postseason plans until it is official.

"I know we have a five-game lead with eight games to go," Girardi said. "I understand that. But I don't think as a team, as a manager you can assume anything until you know. We've seen a lot of strange things happen in this game.

"We got to worry about getting in first. Once you get in, then you can start planning ahead further. But take it a day at a time and a lot of things could change in the next few days. Who knows?

For the Yankees, the change they are hoping for is in Tanaka's status.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Papelbon, Harper spar in Nationals' loss
By The Sports Xchange

WASHINGTON -- Andres Blanco hit a two-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon with one out in the top of the ninth inning to break a tie as the Philadelphia Phillies scored eight runs in the ninth to beat the Washington Nationals 12-5 on Sunday.
After Blanco's home run, the Phillies added runs on an error by Anthony Rendon, two-run singles by Cameron Rupp and Freddy Galvis and an RBI single by Blanco, who had three hits and three RBIs.
To make matters worse for Washington, television cameras showed Papelbon and teammate and MVP candidate Bryce Harper getting into scuffle in the dugout in the eighth inning. Harper did not take the field for the top of the ninth as Papelbon gave up the go-ahead runs.
Washington lost at home for the ninth time in 13 games as the home fans booed Papelbon when he was pulled in the ninth.

Cubs 4, Pirates 0
CHICAGO -- Jake Arrieta earned his major league-leading 21st victory in impressive fashion with a one-hit, nine strikeout performance over seven innings as the Chicago Cubs beat Pittsburgh.
Arrieta even contributed a second-inning home run -- his second of the season -- as the Cubs snapped a three-game losing streak and avoided a series sweep.
Kris Bryant went 2-for-4 with an RBI while Miguel Montero and Starlin Castro also had two hits apiece for the Cubs.

Royals 3, Indians 0
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chris Young threw five no-hit innings and Lorenzo Cain had three hits as Kansas City beat Cleveland.
The Royals finished with a 51-30 regular-season home record. They share the best record in the American League (90-65) with the Toronto Blue Jays for postseason home-field advantage.
The Indians got their first hit in the seventh inning when Francisco Lindor led off with a bunt single on Ryan Madson's first pitch. Kelvin Herrera worked a spotless eighth and Wade Davis pitched the ninth for his 14th save.
Cain led off the fourth with a single and scored on Eric Hosmer's double. Hosmer moved to third on Salvador Perez's single and scored when Mike Moustakas grounded out.

Astros 4, Rangers 2
HOUSTON -- Dallas Keuchel completed an undefeated season at home with seven strong innings and Houston claimed the rubber match of the three-game series with Texas.
The Astros embark on a season-ending six-game road trip through Seattle and Arizona trailing the Rangers by 2 1/2 games in the American League West. Texas will host Detroit and the Los Angeles Angels for seven games at Globe Life Park to close the season.
Keuchel allowed one run, two hits and two walks while striking out 10, the fifth time this season he reached double digits in strikeouts.

Cardinals 8, Brewers 4
ST. LOUIS -- Pinch-hitter Jason Rogers threw a 425-foot monkey wrench into St. Louis' final home game, walloping a grand slam in the top of the ninth inning in a seven-run outburst that gave Milwaukee a come-from-behind win at Busch Stadium.
Trevor Rosenthal was looking for his season club record 48th save but never even got an out. Shane Peterson singled, Martin Maldonado was beaned by a changeup and Jonathan Lucroy walked before Rogers turned on an 0-1 offering, driving it into the bleachers in left center to hand Rosenthal his third blown save.
Khris Davis, who started the scoring with a solo homer in the second, finished it with a three-run clout, his 26th homer of the year, off reliever Seth Maness.
St. Louis saw its National League Central lead over Pittsburgh dwindle to 2 1/2 games, pending the outcome of the Pirates' game Sunday night at the Chicago Cubs.

Yankees 6, White Sox 1
NEW YORK -- Luis Severino pitched six effective innings and New York scored enough despite going hitless in its first 13 at-bats with runners in scoring position to beat Chicago.
New York scored half its runs without a hit, getting sacrifice flies by Brian McCann and Slade Heathcott. Heathcott also scored on a passed ball in the sixth after Dustin Ackley homered.
Severino allowed five hits and was aided by three double plays. His outing and the late insurance runs helped the Yankees lower their magic number to clinching at least a wild card spot to three. They remained four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East with seven games left.

Blue Jays 5, Rays 4
TORONTO -- Josh Donaldson homered with two outs in the ninth inning and Toronto defeated Tampa Bay.
The homer gave the Blue Jays a sweep of the three-game series against the Rays and their fourth win in a row. They're four games ahead of the Yankees in the American League East.
Brett Cecil pitched the ninth for the win in the final home regular-season game of the season for the Blue Jays. Justin Smoak drove in three runs with a double and a two-run homer in a three-hit game. Mikie Mahtook hit a two-run homer for the Rays.

Twins 7, Tigers
DETROIT -- Brian Dozier's two-run double in the middle of a six-run second inning sparked Minnesota over Detroit and kept the Twins in the thick of the fight for the second American League wild-card playoff spot.
The Twins entered the day 1 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros in the wild-card standings.
Minnesota tattooed Randy Wolf for six runs (two unearned) and six hits before he could complete the second inning.
Ervin Santana shut out Detroit on four hits until doubles by Tyler Collins and Josh Wilson gave the Tigers a run in the seventh. Santana finished the seventh and wound up walking two while striking out five. Michael Tonkin worked the eighth and ninth.

Red Sox 2, Orioles 0
BOSTON -- Henry Owens tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings and struck out five as Boston completed a three-game sweep of Baltimore for its third straight shutout in as many days in the final regular season game at Fenway Park.
Owens departed to a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful with two outs in the eighth after allowing three hits and a walk in his 10th career start.
Blake Swihart hit a solo home run and Brock Holt scored a run. Xander Bogaerts had the only multi-hit day for Boston, going 2-for-3. Robbie Ross Jr. posted his sixth save with a perfect ninth.

Marlins 9, Braves 5
MIAMI -- Justin Bour hit two home runs, Martin Prado drove in three runs and Miami completed a three-game series sweep.
Tom Koehler pitched 6 2/3 innings for Miami, allowing four runs. Miguel Ozuna also homered, Dee Gordon scored two runs and stole two bases, and J.T. Realmuto drove in a run for the Marlins.
Shelby Miller (5-17) allowed seven runs in 5 1/3 innings to lose his 16th consecutive decision. Miller has not won in his last 24 starts since beating the Marlins on May 17.

Mets 8, Reds 1
CINCINNATI -- Jacob deGrom allowed a run in six innings and Dilson Herrera and Kevin Plawecki each homered as New York completed a four-game sweep of Cincinnati.
Herrera fell a triple shy of the cycle for New York, which clinched the National League East title on Saturday night. DeGrom struck out nine and did not walk a batter as the Mets improved to 7-0 this year against Cincinnati.
Skip Schumaker had three hits, including two doubles, for the Reds, who have lost eighth in a row. Joey Votto reached base for the 43rd consecutive game when he singled home a run in the sixth inning. It is the longest streak of his career and longest for the Reds since Pete Rose in 1978.

Angels 3, Mariners 2
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Kole Calhoun drove in the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Los Angeles Angels a victory over Seattle at Angel Stadium.
The Angels needed their fifth consecutive win and eighth in 10 games to keep pace in the American League's wild-card and divisional races. Los Angeles remained half a game behind the Houston Astros, who hold the second wild-card spot, and moved within 3 1/2 games of the first-place Texas Rangers in the AL West.

Giants 5, A's 4
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Rookie right-hander Chris Heston snapped his five-game losing streak as San Francisco built a quick five-run and hung on against Oakland at the O.co Coliseum.
Heston gave up four runs on six hits, lasting five-plus innings. He struck out three, walked two and threw 78 pitches. Heston won for the first time since Aug. 1 at Texas. He had gone 0-5 with a 4.60 ERA in his previous nine starts.
Five Giants relievers combined to blank Oakland over the final four innings: George Kontos, Cory Gearrin, Javier Lopez and Santiago Casilla, who pitched a scoreless ninth with one walk and three strikeouts for his 37th save.

Rockies 12, Dodgers 5
DENVER -- Colorado did its part to keep the Los Angeles Dodgers from celebrating a division title, completing a three-game series sweep.
Nolan Arenado hit a go-ahead, three-run homer and had a career-high five RBIs, increasing his major league leading total to 126.
The Dodgers' magic number to clinch the National League West remained at two after the San Francisco Giants won at Oakland. The Dodgers open a four-game series on Monday at San Francisco.

Diamondbacks 5, Padres 2
SAN DIEGO -- Ender Inciarte hit two of the three home runs served up by San Diego right-handed starter James Shields to lead Arizona to vicotry at Petco Park.
Inciarte capped a 4-for-5, three-RBI day with the first multi-homer game of his career.
David Peralta broke up a scoreless tie by leading off the fourth with a 414-foot drive over the fence in center. It was the left fielder's 17th of the season.