New York: 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. Washington lost at home for the ninth time in 13 games.
Cubs 4, Pirates 0
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.
Royals 3, Indians 0
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.
Astros 4, Rangers 2
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.
Cardinals 8, Brewers 4
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.
Yankees 6, White Sox 1
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.
Severino allowed five hits and was aided by three double plays.
His outing helped the Yankees lower their magic number to clinching at least a wild card spot to three.AGENCIES
New York: 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. Washington lost at home for the ninth time in 13 games.
Cubs 4, Pirates 0
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.
Royals 3, Indians 0
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.
Astros 4, Rangers 2
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.
Cardinals 8, Brewers 4
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.
Yankees 6, White Sox 1
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.
Severino allowed five hits and was aided by three double plays.
His outing helped the Yankees lower their magic number to clinching at least a wild card spot to three.AGENCIES
