Juan Rivera hit a go-ahead, three-run double in the sixth, John Lackey pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Angels prevented Oakland from winning the American League West on Saturday with a 6-2 victory over the Athletics.
Oakland's magic number to clinch its first division title since 2003 remained at two, so the A's could still do it at home with a win in yesterday's series finale. They lead Los Angeles by seven games with eight to go, including the final four of the season against the Angels in Anaheim.
Dan Haren was to take the ball for the A's yesterday against fellow 14-game winner Ervin Santana.
Lackey (12-11) allowed two runs and four hits to beat Joe Blanton (16-12). The A's had their four-game winning streak snapped with only their second loss in 10 games.
Twins 8, Orioles 5
At Baltimore, Torii Hunter hit his 29th homer, Rondell White had four hits and Minnesota took advantage of some sloppy defense in a victory over Baltimore.
The outcome eliminated Boston from postseason contention and enabled the Twins to reduce their magic number for clinching a playoff spot to three. Any combination of Minnesota wins and Chicago White Sox losses totaling three will ensure the Twins no worse than a wild-card berth.
White Sox 11, Mariners 7
At Chicago, Paul Konerko hit a go-ahead homer in a five-run eighth inning and Chicago rallied after a long rain delay to beat Seattle, maintaining its faint playoff hopes.
Blue Jays 5, Red Sox 3
At Toronto, Lyle Overbay and Troy Glaus hit consecutive homers, and A.J. Burnett pitched seven strong innings to lead Toronto over Boston, which was eliminated from playoff contention.
Tigers 15, Royals 4
At Kansas City, Missouri, Curtis Granderson homered, tripled and drove in three runs in a 10-run first inning to help the Tigers rout the Royals.
Devil Rays 8, Yankees 0
At St Petersburg, Florida, Ty Wigginton and B.J. Upton homered for the Devil Rays, spoiling Randy Johnson's bid to become the American League's third 18-game winner.
Indians 6, Rangers 3
At Arlington, Texas, Jhonny Peralta homered and drove in three runs to help Cleveland beat the Rangers.
Trevor Hoffman tied Lee Smith's career saves record with No. 478 and the San Diego Padres beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Saturday to retain their lead in the National League West.
Diamondbacks 9, Dodgers 3
At Los Angeles, Miguel Batista overcame a shaky start to pitch eight strong innings for his first win since Aug. 9, Eric Byrnes had four hits, and the Diamondbacks beat the fading Dodgers.
Phillies 8, Marlins 6
At Philadelphia, Carlos Ruiz and Jeff Conine each drove in three runs, Jon Lieber pitched seven solid innings and Philadelphia beat Florida to continue its playoff push.
Mets 12, Nationals 6
At New York, David Wright's three-run homer capped a six-run fifth inning, and New York rallied past Washington.
Astros 7, Cardinals 4
At Houston, Luke Scott hit two home runs, including a three-run shot in the ninth inning to give Houston a victory over St Louis.
Brewers 10, Giants 8
At Milwaukee, Barry Bonds hit his 734th career home run to break Hank Aaron's NL record, but Milwaukee rallied past San Francisco for its third consecutive win over the struggling Giants.
Cubs 11, Reds 4
At Cincinnati, Carlos Zambrano hit his sixth homer, tying the Cubs' record for a pitcher, and Aramis Ramirez had a two-run shot that sparked Chicago to a victory over bumbling Cincinnati.
Rockies 10, Braves 9
At Denver, Kaz Matsui hit a two-run triple in a six-run third inning and Jeff Francis became the winningest lefty in Rockies history during Colorado's frigid victory over Atlanta.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
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