MLB roundup: Triple play sends Padres to post-season, Astros clinch title

Jake Cronenworth (30) contributed significantly to the San Diego Padres' 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, hitting a two-run home run and playing a pivotal role in a triple play that concluded the game.

This win secured the Padres a place in the National League playoffs, marking their eighth postseason appearance in franchise history and their third since 2020. With this victory, San Diego is now two games behind Los Angeles in the race for the NL West title, with two games left in the series and five remaining in the regular season.

Starting pitcher Michael King (13-9) allowed only one unearned run on three hits over five innings, while Suarez recorded his 35th save, contributing to the Padres' impressive 8-3 record against the Dodgers this season.

For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani recorded a double, a walk, and a run scored. Despite the loss, Los Angeles maintained a magic number of four to clinch their 11th division title in 12 years, having already secured a playoff spot on Friday. Rookie right-hander Landon Knack (3-5) allowed four runs on five hits in four innings of work.

In another matchup, the Houston Astros triumphed over the Seattle Mariners with a score of 4-3, thanks to Jason Heyward's two-run homer in the fifth inning, which helped Houston clinch their fourth consecutive American League West title.

Josh Hader achieved a four-out save for the Astros, who have now won seven division titles in the last eight years. Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker also contributed home runs, while Framber Valdez (15-7) pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs.

Mariners starter Logan Gilbert (8-12) struggled, giving up four runs on five hits, including three home runs, over six innings.

Orioles 5, Yankees 3
Anthony Santander, Ramon Urias, and Colton Cowser each hit home runs as the visiting Baltimore Orioles secured a victory over the New York Yankees, who were unable to secure the American League East title.

Shortly thereafter, the Orioles confirmed their second consecutive postseason appearance following the Minnesota Twins' loss to the Miami Marlins. Baltimore currently enjoys a four-game advantage for the top wild card spot in the American League with five games remaining in the regular season.

Aaron Judge recorded his major-league-leading 56th home run; however, the Yankees' magic number to clinch their second division title in three years remains at one.

Guardians 6, Reds 1
Tanner Bibee delivered an impressive performance, allowing only one run over seven innings, while Kyle Manzardo contributed a solo home run and Lane Thomas added a two-run shot, leading Cleveland to a victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds and securing a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Thomas finished the game with three RBIs, and Josh Naylor recorded two hits along with two RBIs for the American League Central champion Guardians.

Spencer Steer managed an RBI single for the Reds in their first game following the dismissal of manager David Bell, who was let go near the conclusion of his sixth season with the team.