Twins stay hot at home
The Twins hit eight doubles, one shy of matching the club record, including three by
Luis Arraez, who packed a punch in his return from the injured list with four hits, two runs and three RBI in a 7-3 win over the Reds.
The Twins entered Saturday needing only a victory or an Indians loss to secure homefield advantage in the playoffs. They got both, as the Pirates cruised to an 8-0 win at Progressive Field. That means the Twins can finish no worse than second in the American League Central, guaranteeing the club at least the No. 4 seed in the postseason.
The victory improved the Twins to an MLB-best 24-6 at home, and another win Sunday would give them the highest single-season winning percentage at home in MLB history.
† The Indians lost 8-0 to the major-leagueworst Pirates. Joe Musgrove (1-5) earned his first victory in a year, allowing three hits while striking out 10 in a season-high seven innings. The right-hander did not allow a run in his final two outings, striking out 21 over 13 innings. † Brandon Woodruff allowed two hits in eight innings as the Brewers beat the Cardinals to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Brewers moved within a game of the Cards for a wild-card spot. Ryan Braun and Daniel
Vogelbach hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth. Woodruff retired 19 straight.
† DJ LeMahieu moved into position to become the first player to earn undisputed batting titles in both leagues as the Yankees blistered the Marlins 11-4. LeMahieu had four hits, raising his average to .359 for the majorleague lead and opening a large margin over defending AL champion Tim Anderson of the White Sox.
† The Giants released veteran right-hander Jeff Samardzija shortly after he returned from a lengthy shoulder injury and rehab. He pitched for the Cubs and the White Sox.
† Astros third-base coach Gary Pettis.
62, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and will miss the rest of the 2020 season. He is expected to make a full recovery from this cancer of plasma cells.
NHL Rangers deal veteran Staal to Red Wings
The Red Wings acquired defenseman Marc Staal, 33, and a second-round draft pick in 2021 from the Rangers for a future draft pick is in 2021. Staal has played his whole 13-season career with the Rangers.
AUTO RACING Hamilton claims F1 pole in Russia
Lewis Hamilton took a step closer to equaling the Formula One win record by clinching pole position at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. Hamilton can achieve his 91st career victory in the race Sunday, matching the record held by Michael Schumacher.