MLB results | Monday
Nationals 5, Phillies 1
WASHINGTON — Bryce Harper was hitless in his return from back stiffness and Philadelpia manager Joe Girardi was ejected in the third inning of a loss to the Washington Nationals that dropped the Phillies back to .500 and hurt their playoff hopes.
A day after striking out with the bases loaded in the seventh off a loss to Toronto and coming out of the game, Harper went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts as the designated hitter, dropping his average to .254.
White Sox 7, Indians 4
CLEVELAND — Carlos Santana’s two-run homer snapped a tie and José Ramírez homered again as the Cleveland Indians moved closer to clinching a playoff berth — and delayed Chicago’s likely AL Central title — with a win over the White Sox.
The Indians cut their magic number to one and would lock up one of the eight postseason spots if Seattle loses to Houston later Monday.
Reds 6, Brewers 3
CINCINNATI — Eugenio Suárez hit a two-run homer, Luis Castillo won his fourth straight start, and the streaking Cincinnati Reds moved above .500 for the first time since opening day, beating the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Reds (28-27) won for the eighth time in nine games, a seasonbest surge that’s put them back in playoff contention.
Cubs 5, Pirates 0
PITTSBURGH — Jon Lester scattered four hits over six innings and the Chicago Cubs inched closer to their first NL Central title since 2017 with a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Lester (3-2) struck out one and walked one in his first victory since
Aug. 11. He retired the first nine batters he faced and kept the lowestscoring team in the majors in check.
Rays 2, Mets 1
NEW YORK — Nate Lowe homered and scored both runs against NL Cy Young Award contender Jacob deGrom, and the Tampa Bay Rays overcame 16 strikeouts to move closer to an AL East title by beating the New York Mets.
The Rays trimmed their magic number to two for their first division title since 2010, a feat they can wrap up Tuesday. Tampa Bay started the day 3½ games ahead of the New York Yankees.
Braves 5, Marlins 4 Blue Jays 11, Yankees 5 Cardinals at Royals, late Astros at Seattle, late Rockies at Giants, late