Nationals inch closer to playoffs
Patrick Corbin pitched six effective innings, and the Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2 on Monday night to strengthen their playoff positioning.
Adam Eaton, Yan Gomes and Trea Turner homered for Washington, which moved a half-game ahead of idle Milwaukee for the top spot in the wildcard standings. The Nationals reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff berth to three.
Philadelphia was pushed to the brink of elimination after beginning the season with great expectations after signing former Washington slugger Bryce Harper to a blockbuster deal. The Phillies have to win their final seven games while Milwaukee or Washington loses out to have any hope of reaching the wild-card game.
Corbin (14-7) matched his career high for wins in the first season of a $140 million, sixyear contract. He allowed one run and three hits, struck out six and walked four.
Corbin elicited his loudest cheer of the night when he struck out Harper to end the third. The former Nationals star, who is playing his third series in Washington since joining the Phillies in March, was booed before each of his plate appearances. He went 1 for 3 with a walk.
MARLINS 8, METS 4:
Steven Matz allowed two homers to Jorge Alfaro, including a grand slam, and the New York Mets lost to the Miami Marlins to dim their fading postseason hopes. Miami piled on when a replay decision led to two runs, and the Mets — despite a stunning surge after the All-star break — moved to the brink of elimination. New York (81-75) would be locked out of the postseason with a loss Tuesday and victories by Washington and Milwaukee. RAYS 7, RED SOX 4:
Ji-man Choi, Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames homered during Tampa Bay’s six-run fourth inning, and the Rays moved into sole possession of the second AL wild card by rallying for a victory over the Boston Red Sox. The Rays hold a half-game lead over Cleveland, which had the day off.
The announced attendance was 8,779. Boston slugger J.D. Martinez drove in a run to become the ninth player in franchise history to have at least 35 homers and 100 RBIS in multiple seasons. The list also includes David Ortiz, Jim Rice, Carl Yastrzemski and Ted Williams.