NEW YORK — Catcher Blake Swihart had his first career multi-home run game and drove in five runs as the Boston Red Sox prevented the New York Yankees from inching closer to clinching a postseason berth with a 10-4 victory Tuesday night.
Swihart hit a three-run home run with one out in the first off Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda (12-9) to cap a six-run inning. He drove in Boston’s final runs when he connected off reliever Bryan Mitchell with outs in the eighth.
Center fielder Mookie Betts scored Boston’s first run and added a solo home run in the fifth as the Red Sox ran their winning streak to a season-high five games.
Right fielder Brock Holt added a run-scoring double while shortstop Xander Bogaerts had an RBI groundout. First baseman Travis Shaw also hit into a run-scoring fielder’s choice. Boston’s final run came on an RBI groundout by Josh Rutledge, who entered in the eighth inning for designated hitter David Ortiz.
Phillies 4, Mets 3
PHILADELPHIA — For just the third time this season, Philadelphia got the better of New York thanks to a win at Citizens Bank Park.
The last-place Phillies improved to just 3-14 against the 2015 National League East champion Mets, while snapping New York’s franchise-record road-winning streak at 11.
Darin Ruf connected on a three-run home run in the first inning and the bullpen worked 4 1/3 effective innings to lead Philadelphia, which is looking to avoid its first 100-loss season since 1961 (47-107). Also, Odubel Herrera went 4-for-4 and Aaron Altherr drove in a run.
Rays 4, Marlins 2
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Asdrubal Cabrera hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift Tampa Bay to a win over Miami at Tropicana Field.
After pinch hitter John Jaso reached base on an error by second baseman Dee Gordon, Cabrera took a 2-0 offering from Marlins reliever Bryan Morris and sent it into the right-field bleachers. The Marlins tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the eighth inning when a single from Martin Prado scored Christian Yelich.
Alex Colome struck out two in two-thirds of an inning to get the win and Brad Boxberger pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 39th save of the season.
Braves 2, Nationals 1
ATLANTA — A.J. Pierzynski hit two home runs to provide the offensive support for pitcher Matt Wisler’s seven-plus strong innings in Atlanta’s win over Washington at Turner Field.
Pierzynski hit solo home runs in the fourth and seventh inning against Washington’s Tanner Roark as the Braves earned their 63rd victory, guaranteeting they would not lose 100 games.
Washington holds a 13-4 series advantage against the Braves this year but is only 3-4 in Atlanta.
Indians, Twins rained out
CLEVELAND — The scheduled game between Cleveland and Minnesota at Progressive Field was postponed due to rain.
The teams will play a traditional doubleheader Wednesday beginning at 4:10 p.m. ET.
Entering the Tuesday night action, the Twins sat 1 1/2 games out of the second American League wild-card spot. The Indians were five games back.
Blue Jays, Orioles rained out
BALTIMORE — Another round of champagne will have to stay on ice for at least another day for Toronto.
Their game against Baltimore was postponed because of rain. As a result, the teams will play a doubleheader starting at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday.
In Game 1, the Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman will take on the Orioles’ Miguel Gonzalez. Immediately afterward, Toronto’s R.A. Dickey faces Baltimore’s Kevin Gausman.
Cardinals, Pirates rained out
PITTSBURGH — St. Louis will to have to wait at least one more day before having a chance to clinch its third straight National League Central championship.
The scheduled game between the Cardinals and Pittsburgh was postponed because of rain and rescheduled at part of a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday with starting times of 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Cardinals hold a four-game lead over the Pirates with five to play and would wrap up the division title with a win in either game.