NATIONAL LEAGUE
Garrett Atkins had three hits and drove in three runs in support of strong pitching from Aaron Cook as Colorado reached the playoffs for the second time in three years with a 9-2 win over Milwaukee.
The Rockies still have an opportunity to capture their first division title in franchise history. Colorado is two games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and opens a pivotal three-game series in Los Angeles on Friday.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Thursday’s win was also the team’s 91st of the season, setting a franchise mark.
Cook (11-6) gave up a home run to Ryan Braun, one of four hits yielded by the right-hander in eight innings. Cook was making his second start since returning from an injury, missing five weeks with a sore right shoulder.
Cook also walked twice with the bases loaded and three times overall.
PHOTO: AFP
Troy Tulowitzki finished three-for-three with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored, while Brad Hawpe belted a two-run homer in the eighth for the Rockies, who took all six matchups against the Brewers this season.
In other games it was:
• Cardinals 13, Reds 0
• Giants 7, Diamondbacks 3
• Astros 5, Phillies 3
• Nationals 2, Braves 1
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AP, DETROIT
Scott Baker got plenty of run support as he pitched the Minnesota Twins to a testy 8-3 victory over Detroit in the American League on Thursday, preventing the Tigers from clinching their first division title in 22 years.
Minnesota avoided elimination from the playoff race and moved within two games of the first-place Tigers with three to play.
The teams split the four-game series. Next up, Detroit hosts the Chicago White Sox this weekend. The Twins get last-place Kansas City at home.
Tempers flared late in the game when Detroit manager Jim Leyland was ejected during a face-to-face argument with umpire Angel Hernandez in the eighth inning after Minnesota’s Jose Mijares threw behind Adam Everett.
Both benches and bullpens emptied in the ninth after Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman hit Delmon Young in the leg. An angry Young slammed his helmet to the ground and shouted toward Detroit’s dugout, but there was no pushing or punching.
RANGERS 11, ANGELS 3
At Anaheim, California, Chris Davis homered and drove in three runs, and Julio Borbon triggered a six-run sixth inning with a go-ahead RBI single as Texas beat the playoff-bound Los Angeles Angels.
Kevin Millwood (13-10) recorded his 20th career complete game and third this season. He gave up two earned runs and seven hits in his season finale, tying a season high with 10 strikeouts. He also threw a season-high 122 pitches.
The Angels, who played their home finale, open the division series in Anaheim next week against Boston, which beat them in the first round each of the previous two years.
John Lackey, expected to start the playoff opener, threw 40 pitches over two innings and allowed two runs on four hits in his final tuneup.
Kendry Morales hit his 34th homer for the Angels.
RED SOX 3, INDIANS 0
At Boston, Jon Lester showed no ill effects from his injury last week in a final tuneup for the playoffs, pitching into the seventh inning as the Red Sox handed Cleveland its club record-tying 12th straight loss.
Lester (15-8) gave up just two hits, walked one and struck out seven in 6 1-3 innings. He left after walking Jhonny Peralta with one out in the seventh.
In other games it was:
• Mariners 4, Athletics 2
• Orioles 3, Rays 2
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
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely