Coco Crisp’s latest clutch hit helped put the Athletics back in the playoffs for the first time in six years as they beat the first-place Rangers 4-3 last night in Oakland to remain in contention for a division crown.
Crisp had a go-ahead RBI double in the fifth as Oakland (92-68) pulled within one game of Texas (93-67) in the AL West race with two to go and moved into a tie with Baltimore for the AL’s top wild card.
The Athletics, who eliminated the Rays and Angels from wild-card contention, must sweep this season-ending series against the two-time reigning AL champion Rangers to capture the West title.
Tigers 6, Royals 3
In Kansas City, Miguel Cabrera had four hits, including a homer during a five-run sixth inning, to continue his chase for the first Triple Crown since 1967, and the Tigers held off the Royals to clinch the AL Central title.
The Tigers reached the postseason in consecutive years for the first time since 1934-35 while eliminating the White Sox despite Chicago’s 11-0 win at Cleveland.
National League
Dodgers 3, Giants 2
In Los Angeles, Elian Herrera singled in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Dodgers kept their postseason hopes alive.
The Dodgers’ sixth consecutive victory kept them two games behind the Cardinals for the second NL wild card.
Cardinals 4, Reds 2
In St. Louis, Jaime Garcia homered off Bronson Arroyo and pitched into the seventh inning, helping the Cardinals clinch at least a tie for the second NL wild card and spoil Reds manager Dusty Baker’s return from a mini-stroke.
Pirates 2, Braves 1
In Pittsburgh, the Braves’ hopes of winning the NL East ended when Starling Marte hits his sixth home run of the season and scored twice to lead the Pirates to victory. The Atlanta loss gave Washington its first division crown since moving from Montreal in 2005 despite the Nationals’ 2-0 home loss to the Phillies.