DETROIT (AP) β The clash for the American League Central lead continues today in Detroit, where the Tigers go for the sweep against Kansas City in a showdown of division co-leaders. James Shields is set to start for the Royals, who have dropped the first two games of the series, while the Tigers send out Rick Porcello, who’s looking for his 16th win.
WASHINGTON (AP) β Washington goes for the sweep against Atlanta today in an effort to reduce the Nationals’ magic number to just eight games for wrapping up the NL East title. The Nats are nine games in front of the Braves with just 19 games left in the season.
UNDATED (AP) β Oakland and Detroit are holding onto the NL wild card spots with Seattle just a game back. The Athletics head into tonight’s game against the White Sox in Chicago having won just three of their last 12 games. The Mariners will start right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma at home against Houston. He’s 14-6 with a 2.97 ERA including 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA in his last eight starts.
MILWAUKEE (AP) β Milwaukee needs a turn-around fast if they hope to stay in the running for a post season spot. The Brewers have lost 13 of 14 to plunge 1 1-2 games back of the last National League wild card spot. The Brewers will start Wily Peralta against Miami tonight. The 15-game winner has lost his last three starts while posting a 10.29 ERA.
MADRID (AP) β Spain meets France at the basketball World Cup today with a spot in the semifinals at stake. The two sides met in group play with the unbeaten Spaniards winning by 24. Brazil takes on Serbia in the lasts of the quarterfinals.
