Mariners’ win clinches West for A’s

Marco Gonzales threw eight scoreless innings, Evan White hit a three-run homer and the Seattle Mariners beat the visiting Houston Astros 6-1 on Monday night.

Seattle’s victory clinched the American League West title for idle Oakland, ending Houston’s threeyear run atop the division and making the Athletics the first team to lock up a first-place finish in this pandemic-shortened season.

The victory also improved the Mariners’ slim hopes of catching the Astros for second place in the division and a playoff spot.

at Indians 7, White Sox 4: Carlos Santana’s two-run homer broke a fifth-inning tie as Cleveland moved closer to clinching a postseason spot and slowed Chicago’s push for the AL Central title.

Cubs 5, at Pirates 0: Jon Lester pitched six scoreless innings, and Chicago inched closer to the National League Central title. Third baseman Kris Bryant left with right lower oblique tightness.

at Braves 5, Marlins 4: Atlanta’s bullpen gave up one run over the final six innings to push the team closer to an NL East title.

Rays 2, at Mets 1: Nate Lowe homered and scored both runs against Jacob deGrom, and Tampa Bay cut its magic number to one to capture the AL East title.

at Blue Jays 11, Yankees 5: Alejandro Kirk became the first catcher 21 or younger since Johnny Bench with at least four hits that included two for extra bases, and Toronto won in Buffalo, N.Y.

Rockies 7, at Giants 2: German Marquez gave up one run in six innings and Elias Diaz drove in two runs in Colorado’s victory.

at Nationals 5, Phillies 1: Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper was hitless in his return from back stiffness during a loss to Washington.

at Reds 6, Brewers 3: Luis Castillo won his fourth straight start as streaking Cincinnati prevailed.

at Royals 4, Cardinals 1: Maikel Franco hit a go-ahead single in the sixth inning to lift Kansas City.

Etc.

The higher-seeded team reaching the neutral-site World Series in Arlington, Texas, will have last atbats in Games 1 and 2 and if needed Games 6 and 7, not necessarily the team with the best record . ... MLB and the players’ association are committing $10 million to fund programs to improve representation of Black Americans in baseball . ... Atlanta left-hander Cole Hamels (shoulder) is done for the season . ... Toronto closer Ken Giles will have Tommy John surgery.