Walker’s swat keeps Boston from clinching division title

Neil Walker hit a three-run homer, Zach Britton started a game-ending double-play on New York’s third try in the ninth inning and the Yankees kept the Boston Red Sox from a bubbly celebration in the Bronx for at least another night with a 3-2 victory Tuesday.

Aaron Judge returned to New York’s lineup for a full game for the first time since breaking his right wrist July 26, while AL MVP candidate Mookie Betts got a day off for Boston after injuring his left side Sunday. Judge finished 0-for-4.

New York entered the night with a1 ½-game lead over Oakland for the top AL wild card. The A’s hosted the Angels later.

Boston is trying to clinch the AL East at Yankee Stadium for the second time in three years. The Red Sox lead the Yankees by 10½ games and entered the night with a magic number of four over the Astros to lock up baseball’s best record.

At Milwaukee, Jose Peraza capitalized on Chase Anderson’s home run troubles with a drive in the first inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat Milwaukee 3-1, the Brewers’ third loss in four games. Milwaukee’s edge for the top NL wild-card spot was cut to two games by St. Louis with Colorado also in close contention.

Paul DeJong hit a two-run homer as the Cardinals won their third straight game with an 8-1 victory over the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. Atlanta’s division lead dropped to 5½ games over Philadelphia.

The Braves’ magic number remained at seven as they try to clinch a division title for the first time in five years. Philadelphia beat the New York Mets 5-2.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs said closer Brandon Morrow would be shut down for rest of the year because of an injured right elbow that has been slow to heal.