THREE UP
Kelvim Escobar tuned up for the playoffs by collecting his career-high 18th win Saturday when the Angels edged the A’s 3-2. Escobar, who missed his last start with an inflamed shoulder, gave up one run and five hits in six innings and four strikeouts.
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright won his first game since Sept. 1, going seven innings in a 7-3 win over the Pirates. After struggling in the first inning, allowing three runs, he allowed just two baserunners after. Wainwright improved to 14-12.
Craig Biggio came full circle Saturday. The 20-year veteran, who is retiring at the end of the season, caught the first two innings of Saturday’s 3-2 Astros win over the Braves. Biggio broke into the big leagues and played his first four seasons behind the plate.
THREE DOWN
Despite playing the last-place Royals, the Indians could not wrap up the American League’s best record and home-field advantage. The Indians lost 4-3, giving the Red Sox the best record and home-field edge throughout the AL postseason.
In his final game before the playoffs, Andy Pettitte was roughed up, giving up eight earned runs and eight hits in five innings of work in the Yankees’ 11-10 win over the Orioles. Thanks to a 10-run Yankees fourth inning, Pettitte still got his 15th win.
Twins reliever Nick Blackburn entered the game with a two-run lead against the Red Sox in the bottom of the seventh. But Blackburn allowed four two-out runs to earn his first blown save and second loss in a 6-4 Red Sox victory.
