around the horn

around the horn

Sunday’s other games

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Royals 8, Red Sox 6

BOSTON

Mike Moustakas’ two-run double capped a four-run ninth inning that rallied AL Central-leading Kansas City past Boston. Moustakas also had a solo homer and RBI double as the Royals salvaged a split of the four-game series.

Rangers 4, Tigers 2

DETROIT

Cole Hamels threw six strong innings, and Mike Napoli and Chris Gimenez homered to help Texas hold onto the second AL wild-card spot. The Rangers, who have won nine of their last 11 games, started the day with a half-game lead over the Angels, with Baltimore another half-game back. Hamels (7-8) got the win, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks. He struck out two. Blue Jays 12, Angels 5

ANAHEIM, CALIF.

Edwin Encarnacion went 4 for 4 with a homer and four RBIs, and Toronto completed a thunderous three-game sweep that vaulted the Blue Jays back into first place in the AL East. The Jays’ 16th victory in 19 games, coupled with the Yankees’ 4-3 loss to Cleveland, put Toronto atop the division for the first time since Aug. 13. The Blue Jays, who lead the majors by far with 670 runs, set a franchise record for a three-game series with 36. They totaled 48 hits against a vanquished Angels pitching staff that has surrendered 44 runs, 60 hits and 15 walks over their last four games.

Mariners 8, White Sox 6

SEATTLE

Robinson Cano had a two-run homer and Nelson Cruz doubled in two runs to help Seattle avoid a three-game sweep.

Athletics 8, Rays 2

OAKLAND, CALIF.

Eric Sogard hit a tiebreaking two-run single as part of a seven-run seventh inning and Oakland withstood another blown late lead by the bullpen to beat Tampa Bay.

Twins 4, Orioles 3, 12 innings

BALTIMORE

Trevor Plouffe hit a tying single with two outs in the ninth inning and Minnesota took advantage of two errors in the 12th to complete a four-game sweep.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Cardinals 10, Padres 3

SAN DIEGO

Michael Wacha pitched six solid innings and Stephen Piscotty homered twice and drove in five runs to help St. Louis Cardinals avoided a three-game sweep. Jason Heyward had three hits as St. Louis averted getting swept for the first time this season. Wacha (15-4) got his fourth straight win, allowing one run and four hits while striking out three and walking two.

Mets 5, Rockies 1

DENVER

Logan Verrett stepped into Matt Harvey’s spot and earned his first major league win in his first start, pitching eight impressive innings to lead New York.

Cubs 9, Braves 3

CHICAGO

Kris Bryant homered twice and Kyle Schwarber connected an inning after hitting a hard foul ball that sent a fan to the hospital as Chicago handed Atlanta its seventh straight loss.

Diamondbacks 4, Reds 0

CINCINNATI

Chris Anderson gave up five hits in 62/3 innings, and Welington Castillo and David Peralta homered to help Arizona hand Cincinnati its season high-tying ninth straight loss.

Phillies 2, Marlins 0

MIAMI

Rookie Aaron Nola pitched a career-high eight innings and allowed only one runner to advance beyond first base, helping Philadelphia beat Miami and tighten the race for next year’s top draft pick. By winning the final three games in the four-game series, the Phillies moved into a tie with Miami for the worst record in the majors (50-74).

Nationals 9, Brewers 5

WASHINGTON

Anthony Rendon and Wilson Ramos homered, and Danny Espinosa hit a three-run double to lead Washington. Bryce Harper doubled twice for the Nationals, who completed consecutive series victories for the first time since winning three straight in late June.

INTERLEAGUE

Astros 3, Dodgers 2, 10 innings

HOUSTON

Jason Castro’s solo homer in the 10th inning helped Houston complete a three-game sweep. There was one out in the 10th when Castro connected off Chris Hatcher (1-5), launching a 96 mph fastball into the first row of the seats in left field. The play was reviewed and confirmed. Kenley Jansen, who had converted 17 straight save opportunities, allowed a leadoff single to rookie Carlos Correa in the ninth before the Astros tied it up on a two-out RBI single by Marwin Gonzalez. Luke Gregerson (7-2) allowed one hit in a scoreless 10th for the win.

Associated Press