Phils Clinch Playoff Spot Behind Halladay; Rays Lose

The Philadelphia Phillies become the first team in the National League to clinch a playoff spot after they beat the Houston Astros 1-0 Wednesday. Roy Halladay (18-5) picked up the complete game win for the Phillies.

Clayton Kershaw won his 19th game of the year as Los Angeles beats Arizona 3-2. Atlanta beat Florida 4-1 and St.Louis beats Pittsburgh 3-2 as the Braves keep a four and a half game lead over the Cardinals in the wild card chase. The Cardinals closed to within five and a half games of Milwaukee in the NL Central after the Brewers lose to Colorado.

In the American League, Detroit’s magic number to clinch the AL Central is down to two after beating Chicago 6-5 for its 12th straight win. Tampa Bay loses to Baltimore 6-2 and Boston lost 5-4 to Toronto so the Red Sox keep a four game lead over the Rays for the wild card but the teams meet starting today in a four game series in Boston.

Texas keeps a three game lead over Los Angeles in the AL West; the Rangers pound Cleveland 9-1 while the Angels beat Oakland 4-1.

Category: MLB