Clayton Kershaw dominated the San Francisco Giants last night to earn his MLB-best 21st win of the season and lead the Dodgers to their second consecutive NL West title. While the Dodgers celebrated, the Brewers and Indians stayed alive on Wednesday night after their victories, but Milwaukee was eliminated today.
Kershaw lasted eight innings and gave up eight hits and just one earned run, becoming the first pitcher to ever lead the MLB in ERA for four consecutive seasons. His 1.77 ERA bests Chicago White Sox's Chris Sale (2.17), Cincinnati Reds' Johnny Cueto (2.29), Seattle Mariners' Felix Hernandez (2.34), and St. Louis Cardinals' Adam Wainwright (2.38). But more importantly, the Dodgers (91-68) are NL West champions and now look to grab the No. 1 seed in the National League that the Washington Nationals (92-64) currently hold.
Los Angeles has three games remaining against the Colorado Rockies while the Nationals have six games remaining (one being played this afternoon) of which two will be against the New York Mets and four against the Miami Marlins. Whoever can grab the top seed will face the winner of the Wild Card game in the postseason, which will be played between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants.
Speaking of Milwaukee, the Brew Crew kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. Starting pitcher Kyle Lohse tossed a two-hitter and shortstop Jean Segura drove in two RBIs in the winning effort. However, they spoiled their chances of making the playoffs on Thursday afternoon after losing to the Cincinnati Reds 5-3. Milwaukee (81-78) now sits 4 ½ games behind the San Francisco Giants (85-73) and cannot catch up to them even if they sweep the Chicago Cubs this weekend and the Giants lose their remaining four games against the Padres.
In the American League, the Cleveland Indians (83-76) defeated the Kansas City Royals (86-72) last night to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. The Oakland Athletics (86-72) hold one of the AL Wild Card spots along with the Royals, and barring serious collapses, these two teams should make the postseason. The A's will face the Rangers in a four-game series starting today to close out the season and the Royals will do the same against the White Sox.
The Indians have three games remaining against the Tampa Bay Rays starting on Friday and the Mariners will finish up their series in Toronto tonight and then travel back home for the season-finale against the Angels. Both of these teams need to win their remaining games to keep their hopes alive, but the Indians need the A's or Royals to get swept as well, while the Mariners need one of them to lose three of four.
The first playoff game will take place on Tuesday, September 30, between the two American League Wild Card teams.
