THREE UP Jake Westbrook struck out a career-high nine in seven innings as the Indians clinched their first AL Central title since 2001 with a 6-2 win over the A’s. The win capped a terrific sprint to the finish for Cleveland, which went 27-9 after taking over first place on Aug. 15.
John Lackey struck out seven over seven innings as the Angels clinched their third AL West title in four years with a 7-4 victory over the Mariners. “I enjoy getting the opportunity in big games,” said Lackey, who improved to 4-0 against Seattle this year.
The Rockies won their eighth straight, capping a three-game sweep of the Padres with a 7-3 victory. Colorado moved within 1 1/2 games of the NL wild-card lead after earning its franchise-best 84th win as it seeks a playoff berth for the second time in team history.
THREE DOWN
The Phillies’ Ryan Howard struck out for the 195th time this season to tie the major-league record in a 5-3 loss to the Nationals. In the fourth inning, Howard fanned against Joel Hanrahan. Howard matched the mark established in 2004 by the Reds’ Adam Dunn.
Not even Tim Wakefield could save the Red Sox. The knuckleballer, who was 19-2 lifetime against the Devil Rays, gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings, including a homer to Delmon Young, in a 5-4 loss. Boston’s AL East lead dropped to 1 1/2 games over the Yankees.
The Mets defeated the Marlins 7-6 in 11 innings, but again their bullpen couldn’t hold a lead. With the Mets up 6-3, Aaron Heilman allowed two runs in the eighth and closer Billy Wagner gave up a tying homer to Dan Uggla in the ninth.
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Compiled by Mike Pankow
