MLB roundup: Phillies sink Cubs to secure NL East crown, Mariners & Red Sox win

J.T. Realmuto (33) and Kyle Schwarber (31) each hit home runs to support right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola (31) as the Philadelphia Phillies claimed their first National League East title in 13 years, defeating the Chicago Cubs 6-2 on Monday.

The Phillies began the day with a magic number of one to secure the division, a somewhat disappointing outcome following a 2-5 road trip against the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets.

Nevertheless, returning home proved beneficial for Philadelphia (93-64), which is currently a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the pursuit of the best record in the National League.

Realmuto, Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Nick Castellanos all contributed with two hits each for the Phillies. Nola (13-8) surrendered two runs on seven hits over six-plus innings, issuing two walks and striking out seven, marking his first win since August 27th.

Isaac Paredes recorded two hits for the Cubs, who had previously won three of their last four games.

Red Sox 4 Blue Jays 1
Wilyer Abreu contributed two hits, one of which was an RBI double, as the visiting Boston team capitalized on 10 walks to secure a victory over Toronto.

Right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck (9-10) delivered five scoreless innings for the Red Sox, allowing only one hit and one walk in the first game of a three-game series. Notably, he did not record any strikeouts. This victory marks Boston's third consecutive win.

For the Blue Jays, Spencer Horwitz provided an RBI single. Toronto's starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (10-14) surrendered three runs (two earned) on four hits and seven walks, while striking out two batters over 4 1/3 innings.

Mariners 6 Astros 1
Bryce Miller effectively neutralized the host Houston team by pitching seven scoreless innings, aiding Seattle in their pursuit of a playoff spot in the American League.

Jorge Polanco, Julio Rodriguez, and Randy Arozarena each contributed an RBI double for the Mariners, who are now just 1 1/2 games away from the final AL wild-card position. Miller (12-8) allowed only two hits and two walks while striking out five, including two consecutive strikeouts with runners on second and third in the seventh inning.

Hunter Brown (11-9) matched Miller's performance for the Astros, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks over six innings. The Astros were aiming to clinch their fourth consecutive AL West title with a win on Monday. Brown recorded eight strikeouts during his outing.