Kershaw, Dodgers set to face Mets
Clayton Kershaw pitched the bigmoney Dodgers to their third straight NL West title, throwing a onehitter as Los Angeles beat the Giants 80 on Tuesday night in San Francisco.
Kershaw allowed just a thirdinning single and struck out 13, and the Dodgers (8869) advance to face the NL East champion Mets in the bestoffive NL Division Series.
Kershaw (167) finally got the best of his 2015 nemesis in their fourth matchup of the year, striking out the side in order three times and retiring the final 19 batters as the Dodgers snapped a fourgame losing streak.
Don Mattingly’s Dodgers earned a third straight playoff berth for the first time in franchise history, and did so by snapping a sevengame losing streak at AT&T Park this year. It’s also their sixth postseason berth in 10 years.
Justin Ruggiano and A.J. Ellis hit backtoback home runs in the sixth to chase World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner (189), denying the Giants their first 19game winner in 18 years.
Angels 8, Athletics 1
In Anaheim, Calif., Albert Pujols had an RBI double among his three hits, Erick Aybar drove in three runs and the Angels moved into the second AL wildcard spot by beating Oakland for a seventh consecutive victory.
Nick Tropeano (32) struck out 11 during 6 ²/₃ innings of threehit ball for the Angels (8374), who have matched their longest streak of the season while winning 10 of 12 overall.
Mariners 6, Astros 4
In Seattle, Shawn O’Malley damaged Houston’s playoff hopes with a tworun, basesloaded single in the eighth inning that gave Seattle a 64 comeback victory over the Astros.
The Astros, who are still involved in two postseason races, were displaced in the AL wildcard chase by the Angels.
Rangers 7, Tigers 6
In Arlington, Texas, Cole Hamels won his sixth consecutive decision, overcoming a shaky start to strike out eight in six innings, and AL Westleading Texas snapped a threegame skid with a 76 win over Detroit.
Divisionleading Texas now has a twogame lead over the Angels and 2 ¹/₂ over the Astros.
Piscotty out of hospital
Cardinals rookie outfielder Stephen Piscotty was discharged from the hospital early Tuesday, an encouraging sign following a frightening collision with teammate Peter Bourjos in Monday night’s 30 victory.