Pirates edge Brewers, move closer to playoffs

PITTSBURGH -- Vance Worley pitched eight sparkling innings, Russell Martin hit a late RBI single and the Pittsburgh Pirates trapped a runner in the ninth, edging Milwaukee 1-0 Sunday to extend their wild-card lead over the Brewers.

The Pirates led Milwaukee by 4 1-2 games for the second NL wild-card spot with a week to go. Andrew McCutchen singled and scored in the seventh, helping Pittsburgh take two of three from the Brewers.

Milwaukee totaled just three runs in the series. Carlos Gomez led off the ninth with a single and Rickie Weeks followed with an infield hit, but the speedy Gomez got caught in a rundown and was tagged between second and third.

The Pirates won for the 13th time in 16 games, and closed out their regular season schedule at PNC Park. They finish up playing at Atlanta and Cincinnati, while Milwaukee visits the Reds and hosts the Cubs.

Nationals 2, Marlins 1

MIAMI -- Stephen Strasburg pitched seven strong innings to help lead the NL-leading Washington Nationals to a 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday, completing a four-game sweep.

Nate Schierholtz and Anthony Rendon drove in runs for the Nationals (91-64), who have won eight of nine and lead the Los Angeles Dodgers (88-67) for the best record in the National League.

Strasburg (13-11) allowed three hits and two walks. He struck out five while throwing 55 of his 84 pitches for strikes.

Rafael Soriano got through the ninth for his 32nd save in 39 chances.

Dodgers 8, Cubs 5

CHICAGO -- Matt Kemp homered and had four RBIs, Yasiel Puig scored a career-high four times and the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers used six pitchers to beat the Chicago Cubs 8-5 on Sunday.

Padres 8, Giants 2

SAN DIEGO -- The reeling San Francisco Giants managed just six hits off Ian Kennedy and three relievers, losing 8-2 to the San Diego Padres on Sunday to fall 4 ½ games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West race.

American League

Royals 5, Tigers 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Nori Aoki hit a two-run triple, helping Jeremy Guthrie and the Kansas City Royals hold their AL wild-card spot by beating the Detroit Tigers 5-2 Sunday.

Rangers 2, Angels 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ryan Rua hit his first major league homer, connecting off Huston Street in the ninth inning as the Texas Rangers beat the playoff-bound Los Angeles Angels 2-1 Sunday for their eighth win in nine games.

Red Sox 3, Orioles 2

BALTIMORE -- Joe Kelly pitched seven innings of three-hit ball and the Boston Red Sox got home runs from Mookie Betts and David Ross in a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Boston took two of three from the Orioles, who have been playing without several regulars in the lineup since clinching the AL East title on Tuesday.

Astros 8, Mariners 3

HOUSTON -- Seattle's playoff hopes took another hit, as Jake Marisnick had a three-run homer for the second straight game and Alex Presley drove in two runs to lead the Houston Astros to an 8-3 win over the Mariners on Sunday.

Interleague

Athletics 8, Phillies 6 (10)

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Josh Donaldson hit a towering, two-run, home run into the left field bleachers with one out in the 10th inning to lift the Oakland Athletics to an 8-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

Nate Frieman singled with one out against Miguel Gonzalez (0-1) to set up Donaldson's game-winner.

Sports on 09/22/2014

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