Phillies Clinch First NL East Title in 13 Years Behind Nola, Realmuto, and Schwarber
Philadelphia Phillies 6, Chicago Cubs 2
The Philadelphia Phillies are back on top of the National League East for the first time in 13 years, securing the division title with a 6-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on Monday night. J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber both homered, giving starting pitcher Aaron Nola the run support he needed to lead the Phillies to victory in front of their home crowd.
Philadelphia entered the game with a “magic number” of one to clinch the division, following a rocky 2-5 road trip against the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets. But with the fans behind them and the comforts of home, the Phillies found their rhythm. They now hold a 93-64 record, sitting just half a game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the best record in the National League.
Nola (13-8) delivered a solid performance, pitching six-plus innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, while striking out seven. This win was Nola’s first since August 27, ending a dry spell that had seen him struggle to find his groove. The Phillies’ offense, meanwhile, was firing on all cylinders. In addition to homers from Realmuto and Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos also chipped in with two hits each.
Despite the loss, the Cubs had some bright spots, with Isaac Paredes collecting two hits. However, their offensive efforts were overshadowed by Philadelphia’s explosive night at the plate and Nola’s strong outing on the mound.
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Mariners Gain Ground in AL Playoff Race with Win Over Astros
Seattle Mariners 6, Houston Astros 1
Bryce Miller was in top form for the Seattle Mariners, stifling the Houston Astros’ powerful lineup and logging seven scoreless innings to help Seattle pull off a crucial 6-1 win on the road. The Mariners, fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive, inched closer to the final American League wild-card spot, now just 1 1/2 games behind the competition.
Miller (12-8) was electric, scattering only two hits and two walks while striking out five batters, including two pivotal strikeouts with runners in scoring position in the seventh inning. His ability to stay composed under pressure helped the Mariners maintain their lead and eventually cruise to victory.
Seattle’s offense was driven by timely hitting, with Jorge Polanco, Julio Rodriguez, and Randy Arozarena each delivering RBI doubles. The Mariners took advantage of every opportunity, capitalizing on their chances to apply pressure on Houston.
For the Astros, starting pitcher Hunter Brown (11-9) matched Miller’s intensity, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks over six strong innings. However, his efforts weren’t enough to clinch Houston’s fourth consecutive AL West title, which the Astros had hoped to secure with a win.
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Red Sox Outlast Blue Jays, Win Third Straight
Boston Red Sox 4, Toronto Blue Jays 1
Wilyer Abreu led the way for the Boston Red Sox, collecting two hits, including an RBI double, as Boston walked its way to a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Red Sox capitalized on 10 walks issued by Blue Jays pitchers, with timely hits pushing runs across the board.
Boston starter Tanner Houck (9-10) was sharp, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and one walk. Despite not recording a strikeout, Houck’s command kept Toronto off balance, helping the Red Sox take the opener of this three-game series. Boston has now won three consecutive games as they look to finish their season strong.
Toronto’s offense struggled to find momentum, with Spencer Horwitz driving in their lone run with an RBI single. Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt (10-14) had a rough night, surrendering three runs (two earned) on four hits and a season-high seven walks in 4 1/3 innings. The loss comes as a blow to Toronto’s playoff hopes, as they continue to fight for a wild-card spot.
