Red Sox inch closer to another AL East title

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 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.

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.

DIAMONDBACKS CLINCH

The Arizona Diamondbacks clinched their first post-season berth since 2011 when the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers 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 the Colorado Rockies, 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.

ROCKIES WIDEN LEAD

The Rockies are headed home in firm control of their playoff destiny after they beat the San Diego Padres 8-4 on Sunday.

Colorado opened a two-game lead over Milwaukee for the second NL wild card heading into the final week of the regular season.