The Dodgers manhandled the Cubs on Friday afternoon in Chicago, then kicked back and watched others do the work. First, Pittsburgh beat Milwaukee to clinch a playoff spot for the Dodgers, then San Diego beat San Francisco to knock another notch off the magic number.
Friday results
Dodgers 14, Cubs 5: Even though Clayton Kershaw only lasted five innings he still won his 20th game, thanks to four home runs, including two by catcher A.J. Ellis in a rout of Chicago.
Pirates 4, Brewers 2: Old friend Russell Martin hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning against old friend Jonathan Broxton, turning a 2-0 Milwaukee lead into a Pittsburgh lead. On Aug. 25 the Brewers held a 1½-game lead over St. Louis in the National League Central, but have lost 17 of their last 23 games to fall into the outskirts of playoff contention.
Padres 5, Giants 0: San Diego jumped on Tim Hudson for four runs in the first inning and never looked back. Padres starter Odrisamer Despaigne allowed only two hits in seven scoreless innings for the win, and could get voted a playoff share by the Dodgers for allowing one run on eight hits in 20 innings against the Giants this season.
With the loss, San Francisco's lead over the Pirates in the Wild Card race was trimmed to one game. Pittsburgh beat the Giants in four of six meetings this season, and as a result holds the tiebreaker and would host the Wild Card Game should the two teams tie.
Cardinals 2, Reds 1: St. Louis has won six of their last seven games and has needed to in order to keep their lead over the hard-charging Pirates.
Nationals 3, Marlins 2: Adam LaRoche hit a two-run home run and Doug Fister pitched into the seventh inning, keeping Washington 1½ games ahead of the Dodgers for the National League's best record. Washington holds the tiebreaker over the Dodgers, by virtue of winning four of their six meetings.
Saturday's relevant action (all times PT)
10:05 a.m. - Dodgers (Roberto Hernandez) at Cubs (Felix Doubront)
4:05 p.m. - Brewers (Matt Garza) at Pirates (Edinson Volquez)
4:10 p.m. - Nationals (Jordan Zimmermann) at Marlins (Jarred Cosart)
4:15 p.m. - Reds (Mike Leake) at Cardinals (Michael Wacha)
5:30 p.m. - Giants (Yusmeiro Petit) at Padres (Andrew Cashner)