Reds win sixth straight

CINCINNATI (AP) — 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 in a row.

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.

The AL Centralleading White Sox clinched their first playoff berth since 2008 with a win over the Twins on Thursday night.

Their momentum hit a snag as Stiever (01) got hit hard in his first major league road appearance. The 23-year-old righthander allowed Winker’s shot and solo homers by Joey Votto, Nick Castellanos and

Tucker Barnhart.

Tyler Mahle (2-2) got his first win since Aug. 28, allowing four hits and fanning eight in 5 2/3 innings.

CARDINALS 6, PIRATES 5, CARDINALS 7, PIRATES 2

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cardinals rookie Dylan Carlson’s threerun homer capped a six-run outburst in the sixth inning against

mistake-prone Pittsburgh, helping St. Louis to a doubleheader sweep.

The Cardinals took the opener behind home runs from Kolten Wong and Tyler O’neill and just enough pitching to overcome four errors.

St. Louis, playing its third doubleheader in five days, moved to .500 (24-24) with the win to remain in the mix for a playoff spot.

Andrew Miller (1-1) struck out the side in the top of the sixth to earn the win.

Chad Kuhl (1-3) cruised through five innings.