NEW YORK: Left-hander Clayton Kershaw became the first 20-game winner of the season in the major leagues and helped Los Angeles clinch a spot in the play-offs as the Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs.
Kershaw (20-3) picked up his sixth straight win and reached 20 victories for the second time since 2011. Since June 2, he’s 16-1 with two no-decisions, including a no-hitter on June 18 against Colorado.
Los Angeles (88-66) secured a postseason berth for the fifth time in nine seasons.
Kershaw gave up three runs in the first inning before he settled down and held Chicago to seven hits while striking out nine and walking three through five innings. Kershaw’s Dodgers’ team-mates made sure he was never seriously threatened, supplying a 6-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Tigers 10, Royals 1
Justin Verlander pitched into the eighth inning and second baseman Ian Kinsler stroked three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs as the Detroit Tigers routed the Kansas City Royals.
The Tigers continued their mastery of the Royals, winning 12 of 17 games this season. They also opened a 1-1/2 game over the Royals as they aim for their fourth straight American League Central title.
Verlander (14-12) limited the Royals to one run and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking none. He improved to 4-1 in his past six starts.
Pirates 4, Brewers 2
Pittsburgh catcher Russell Martin hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning to help the Pirates overcome seven shutout innings by Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Yovani Gallardo and beat the Brewers.
A night after blowing a save in the Brewers’ 13-inning loss to St. Louis, Milwaukee right-hander Jonathan Broxton entered in the eighth inning and gave up the home run that gave the Pirates their first lead of the game. The Pirates notched their first five-game win streak of the season (83-70) and extended their lead to 3 1/2 games over Milwaukee (79-75) for the National League’s second wild-card spot.
Cardinals 2, Reds 1
Veteran right-hander John Lackey worked 7 2/3 quality innings and scattered six hits as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Cincinnati Reds. Lackey (14-9) gave up one run with no walks and five strikeouts as he improved to 3-2 with Cardinals. He hadn’t started since September 10, when he was ejected in Cincinnati in bottom of third inning.REUTERS
