AMERICAN LEAGUE

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Royals 3, Twins 2

MINNEAPOLIS — David DeJesus had the game-winning single in the 10th inning for Kansas City. Minnesota wasted eight impressive innings by Francisco Liriano, his longest start since July 28, 2006. It matched the second-longest outing of his career. Matt Guerrier (6-8) got one out in the 10th before surrendering two straight singles and leaving runners at the corners for Dennys Reyes. DeJesus hit his first pitch into left field for the lead, giving Ramon Ramirez (3-2) the victory after a perfect ninth.

Blue Jays 6, White Sox 4

CHICAGO — Shaun Marcum pitched effectively for 71‚Ñ3 innings and the Toronto Blue Jays broke a scoreless tie with six runs in the eighth for their 11th win in 12 games. Chicago, which has dropped four of five, remained one game ahead of the Twins in the AL Central.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Phillies 6, Brewers 3

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard hit his major league-leading 43rd homer, Jamie Moyer pitched 52‚Ñ3 effective innings and the Phillies beat the Brewers to gain ground in the playoff race. The Phillies pulled within three games of the NL East-leading Mets and the wild card-leading Brewers by roughing up Ben Sheets (13-8). They remain four behind New York in the loss column. Prince Fielder hit his first homer since Aug. 13, but slumping Milwaukee lost for the eighth time in 11 games.

Cubs 3, Cardinals 2

ST. LOUIS — Rich Harden worked six solid innings and Kerry Wood got Albert Pujols to pop up with two men on for the final out. Ryan Theriot, Derrek Lee and Mike Fontenot had RBIs for the Cubs, who lead Milwaukee in the NL Central by 51‚Ñ2 games with 16 to play after taking two of three with two one-run decisions. The Cardinals remained 41‚Ñ2 games behind the Brewers for the NL wild card.

Braves 8, Rockies 4

ATLANTA — Colorado’s fading playoff hopes took another blow Thursday night when Yunel Escobar’s three-run homer capped a five-run sixth inning and Atlanta completed a three-game sweep.

Associated Press