Giants turn back Kershaw, Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw lost for the first time since May, allowing the go-ahead run when Max Muncy misplayed a potential inning-ending doubleplay grounder in a 2-1 defeat to the Giants on Saturday night that left the Dodgers one win shy of 100 going into their season finale.
Kershaw (13-5), a 35-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, had been 7-0 with a 1.96 ERA in 13 starts since a May 21 loss at St. Louis. Facing the Giants for the 59th time, he allowed a third-inning homer to Tyler Fitzgerald and gave up two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.
With the score 1-1, Austin Slater walked leading off the sixth and advanced on a wild pitch. Luis Matos walked and Slater took third when Thairo Estrada grounded into a forceout.
A'S 7, ANGELS 3 >> Shea Langeliers hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in a five-run eighth inning, leading Oakland over Los Angeles.
MARLINS 7, PIRATES 3 >> Jazz Chisholm hit his 19th home run, Josh Bell delivered a late two-run double and Miami clinched the fourth playoff berth in franchise history with a win over Pittsburgh.
ASTROS 1, DIAMONDBACKS 0>> Justin Verlander threw five innings, José Abreu hit a run-scoring double and Houston beat Arizona as both teams clinched spots in the upcoming playoffs.
The Astros still have plenty to play for Sunday — they could clinch the AL West and a first-round bye with a win on Sunday and a Texas loss.
The Diamondbacks return to the postseason for the first time since 2017, backing into the bracket with the Reds' 15-6 loss at St. Louis.
RAYS 7, BLUE JAYS 5, 10 INNINGS >> Toronto clinched a playoff spot despite its loss to Taylor Walls and Tampa Bay.
CUBS 10, BREWERS 6 >> Yan Gomes hit a grand slam, but Chicago was eliminated from postseason contention during its victory over Milwaukee.
RANGERS 6, MARINERS 1 Texas is back in the postseason for the first time since 2016, beating Seattle to clinch a playoff spot in the American League.
Texas (90-71) can claim the AL West title with one Houston loss over the final two games or a win on Sunday over the Mariners in the regular-season finale.