Winker’s homer sparks Reds’ win
Slumping Jesse Winker hit a three-run homer — one of four off White Sox starter Jonathan Stiever — and the Cincinnati Reds extended their surge into playoff contention with a 7-1 win Friday night for their season-high sixth victory inarow.
The Reds moved to .500 (26-26) for the first time since Aug. 3. Their winning streak has them in playoff position, in second place in the NL Central behind the Cubs.
CARDINALS 6, PIRATES 5, 1ST GAME >> Kolten Wong hit the second leadoff home run of his career, Tyler O’Neill added a two-run shot and St. Louis held off Pittsburgh in Game 1 of a doubleheader.
Ryan Helsley recorded the final two outs for his first career save.
PHILLIES 7, BLUE JAYS 0, 1ST GAME >> Zach Eflin struck out nine in a four-hitter, Bryce Harper hit another homer and Philadelphia beat Toronto in the first game of a doubleheader.
Eflin (3-2) threw 92 pitches for his third career shutout and fifth complete game, though this one was seven innings.
NATIONALS 5, MARLINS 0, 1ST GAME >> Erick Fedde allowed one hit in six innings, and Washington beat rookie Sixto Sanchez and Miami in the first game of a doubleheader.
Andrew Stevenson had a two-run single for his first hit this year. Yan Gomes and Luis Garcia each had two hits and scored twice.
RAYS’ MEADOWS PUT ON IL >> Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with an oblique strain that will keep him sidelined into the postseason. The injury occurred while Meadows took a swing in the opener of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Orioles.
Meadows is batting .205 with four homers and 13 RBIs. Last year he hit .291 with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs, so his bat is always welcome in the Tampa Bay lineup.
BREWERSCOACHRETURNSAFTERHEARTATTACK >> Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Pat Murphy has rejoined the team just over six weeks after having a heart attack at Miller Park. Murphy said he was feeling “pretty good” while talking to reporters before the Brewers’ game Friday night against with the Kansas City Royals. Murphy said he had hoped throughout his recovery he would be back before the end of the season.
“The part you take for granted sometimes until you don’t have it anymore is the connection, being together,” Murphy said. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s why I do it.”
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Murphy wouldn’t be on the bench Friday but would be before the end of the season. Murphy will remain with the Brewers for their seven-game road trip that starts Monday and concludes their regular season.