The Dodgers continued their offensive barrage with a big win in Colorado, and coupled with a Giants loss in Arizona widened their lead by a game in the National League West for a third straight day.
Monday results
Dodgers 11, Rockies 3: An eight-run sixth inning gave the Dodgers their largest frame of the season and a third straight win, and a four-game lead over San Francisco in the west.
Diamondbacks 6, Giants 2: With Scott Van Slyke nowhere in sight, Wade Miley cruised through seven innings, shutting San Francisco down to help out the Dodgers.
Nationals 4, Braves 2: Stephen Strasburg pitched seven scoreless innings, lowering Washington's magic number to clinch the National League East to a paltry two. Strasburg also struck out seven, giving him 230 strikeouts on the season.
That's the most in the National League, with likely two starts remaining for Strasburg. Johnny Cueto of the Reds has 220, and probably has three starts left, while Clayton Kershaw is 219 with two starts remaining.
Tuesday's relevant action (all times PT)
4:05 p.m. - Red Sox (Anthony Ranaudo) at Pirates (Charlie Morton)
4:10 p.m. - Nationals (Tanner Roark) at Braves (Aaron Harang)
Washington with a win would be the first National League team to officially punch their ticket to the postseason.
5:15 p.m. - Brewers (Wily Peralta) at Cardinals (Lance Lynn)
Trailing in the NL Central by five games, Milwaukee likely needs a three-game sweep to keep their division hopes alive. The Dodgers' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is five, a combination of L.A. wins and Brewers losses.
5:40 p.m. - Dodgers (Dan Haren) at Rockies (Tyler Matzek)
6:40 p.m. - Giants (Jake Peavy) at Diamondbacks (Josh Collmenter)