Coco Crisp and Stephen Vogt homered, A.J. Griffin struck out seven in seven innings, and the Athletics completed a three-game sweep of the fellow playoff contender Rays with a 5-1 victory yesterday in Oakland, Calif.
The A’s pulled off a pair of one-run wins in the first two games of the series against the Rays, right behind Oakland in the AL wild-card race.
Red Sox 7, White Sox 6
In Boston, David Ortiz had two hits and three RBIs as the AL East-leading Red Sox completed a three-game sweep of the White Sox.
Cardinals 7, Pirates 2
In Pittsburgh, Matt Holliday and David Freese drove in two runs apiece, and the Cardinals beat the Pirates to move back into a tie for the NL Central lead.
Twins 4, Rangers 2
In Arlington, Texas, Kevin Correia pitched seven strong innings and the Twins clinched their first series victory at Texas in four years, beating the AL West-leading Rangers.
Indians 4, Tigers 0
In Detroit, Mike Aviles hit a grand slam in the ninth inning that lifted the Indians to victory over the AL Central-leading Tigers.
Royals 5, Blue Jays 0
In Toronto, James Shields pitched seven innings of three-hit ball to win his fourth straight decision, Eric Hosmer drove in two runs and Royals blanked the Blue Jays.
Rockies 7, Reds 4
In Denver, Todd Helton doubled for his 2,500th career hit, Michael Cuddyer homered among his four hits and the Rockies downed the Reds.
Giants 8, Diamondbacks 2
In Phoenix, Yusmeiro Petit struck out a career-high 10, Hector Sanchez drove in three runs and the Giants beat the Diamondbacks.
Dodgers 2, Padres 1
In Los Angeles, Zack Greinke allowed one run over seven innings, Yasiel Puig homered in the sixth and the Dodgers topped the Padres.
Astros 2, Mariners 0
In Houston, rookie Brett Oberholtzer pitched a four-hitter and Jason Castro hit an RBI double in the eighth inning to lifting the Astros past the Mariners.
Marlins 7, Braves 0
In Atlanta, Nathan Eovaldi combined with Steve Cishek on an eight-hit shutout as the Marlins blanked the Braves.
Angels 5, Brewers 3
In Milwaukee, J.B. Shuck hit a three-run double in the seventh inning to rally the Angels past the Brewers for a three-game sweep of their interleague series.
Cubs 7, Phillies 1
In Chicago, Jake Arrieta allowed three hits and a run while pitching into the seventh inning and catcher Welington Castillo drove in two runs to lead the Cubs past the Phillies.