THREE UP
Ex-Cub Greg Maddux pitched the Dodgers back into the playoffs, throwing 71 pitches in seven innings, allowing three hits and two runs in a 4-2 victory over the Giants. “It feels great,” Maddux said. “I had a great time in Chicago, but I’m glad I got traded to Los Angeles.”
Late-season acquisition David Wells pitched six shutout innings and Trevor Hoffman retired the side on five pitches in the ninth as the Padres joined the Dodgers in the NL playoffs with a 3-1 win over the D’backs. Mike Cameron’s two-run homer in the fifth was the difference.
Morris native Scott Spiezio, stuck in a 1-for-20 slump, ripped a three-run triple in the eighth inning off Francisco Cordero as the Cardinals rallied to defeat the Brewers 3-2 and reduce their magic number in the NL Central to one. The Cardinals had lost eight of their previous 10.
THREE DOWN
Despite a 4-3 win over the Marlins, the Phillies were eliminated after the Dodgers and Padres won. The Phillies have 45 wins since the All-Star break, most in the NL, but lost control of their destiny when they dropped three of four games to the Astros and Nationals earlier in the week.
Perhaps the Tigers were a little tense after a 90-minute rain delay, knowing that Twins lost and the AL Central title could be theirs. The visiting Royals jumped on rookies Zach Miner and Andrew Miller for seven runs in the first inning. The Tigers fell 9-6 despite a valiant comeback.
The Mets will be missing ace Pedro Martinez for more than just the postseason. The right-hander will have rotator cuff surgery next week and be out eight months. He was already out for the playoffs because of a torn tendon in his left calf.
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Compiled by Mike Pankow
