Phillies pound Nationals

Rookie Aaron Altherr had four hits, including an insidethepark grand slam and a solo homer, and the Phillies beat the Nationals 82 Friday night in Washington, in what might have been Jordan Zimmermann’s home farewell.

The Nationals lost their fourth straight. They are 8 ¹/₂ games behind the Mets in the NL East.

Zimmermann (139), who will be a free agent this offseason, exited after allowing six earned runs on six hits over five innings and suffered his first loss since Aug. 12.

Pirates 3, Cubs 2

In Chicago, Gerrit Cole outpitched Jon Lester as the Pirates hung on for their seventh straight win, to delay the Cubs’ playoff celebration.

Pittsburgh increased its lead for the NL’s top wild card to 4 ¹/₂ games over the Cubs, who would have secured their first postseason appearance since 2008 with a victory. Chicago would clinch with a loss by San Francisco to Oakland.

Blue Jays 5, Rays 3

In Toronto, R.A. Dickey pitched seven innings to earn his 100th career win, Josh Donaldson hit his 40th home run and the Blue Jays moved closer to clinching their first playoff berth in 22 years. Toronto would clinch at least a wildcard spot if both the Twins and Angels lost Friday night.

Indians 6, Royals 0

In Kansas City, Mo., Carlos Carrasco pitched a onehitter, allowing only a seventhinning single, and struck out a careerhigh 15 to lead the Indians. The AL Central Royals didn’t come close to a hit until Alex Rios lined a single to center with one out in the seventh.

Tigers 6, Twins 4

In Detroit, Rajai Davis hit a tworun homer in the eighth inning, and the Tigers rallied for victory over the playoffchasing Twins.