Red Sox inch ever closer to another AL East title

CINCINNATI Mookie Betts doubled with the bases loaded to tie it in the eighth inning and dashed home from second base on an infield single, rallying the Boston Red Sox to a 5-4 victory Sunday over the Cincinnati Reds, a win that moved them closer to the AL East title.

By winning 14 of its last 17 games, Boston has left virtually no opening for the second-place New York Yankees to catch up.

The Red Sox, already assured a playoff spot, completed an 8-1 road trip that put them in excellent position to win a second consecutive division crown for the first time in franchise history.

Coupled with New York’s 9-5 loss in Toronto, the Red Sox reduced their magic number to three. They lead the Yankees by five games with seven to play.

That means Fenway Park can start preparing for a potential celebration. Boston finishes the regular season at home with three games against Toronto and four versus Houston.

Boston inched closer with more late-game flair. The Red Sox lead the majors with 20 wins after trailing in the fifth inning.

DIAMONDBACKS CLINCH

The Arizona Diamondbacks clinched their first post-season berth since 2011 when St. Louis and Milwaukee both lost Sunday.

Arizona was trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning against Miami when the Diamondbacks were assured of one of the NL’s two wild card berths. Arizona is on track to host the wild-card game on Oct. 4, most likely against Colorado, Milwaukee or St. Louis. The Diamondbacks lost to the Brewers in the 2011 Division Series. Arizona won its only World Series title in 2001, rallying from a three games to two deficit against the New York Yankees.

When the public address announcer informed fans of the clinch, the crowd rose in a standing ovation.