The Astros name Washington third base coach Bo Porter as their new manager, although he will remain with his current team for the remainder of this season and the postseason before assuming his new duties next year.

ByBaseball

The Astros name Washington third base coach Bo Porter as their new manager, although he will remain with his current team for the remainder of this season and the postseason before assuming his new duties next year.

Fernando Rodney sets a franchise record when he notches his 46th save of the season, throwing a scoreless ninth inning in the Rays’ 3-2 victory over Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field. The 35 year-old right-handed closer surpasses the team mark established in 2010 by Rafael Soriano.

ByTom

Fernando Rodney sets a franchise record when he notches his 46th save of the season, throwing a scoreless ninth inning in the Rays’ 3-2 victory over Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field. The 35 year-old right-handed closer surpasses the team mark established in 2010 by Rafael Soriano.

Both wild card races are tied at the end of today’s games, with one day left in the season. Atlanta loses, 7 – 1, to Philadelphia after a poor performance by starting pitcher Derek Lowe, while St. Louis overcomes an early 5 – 0 deficit to beat Houston, 13 – 6. Ryan Theriot delivers a tie-breaking two-run triple as a pinch-hitter in the 7th to open the floodgates for the Cardinals, who use seven relievers in the game after Jake Westbrook leaves early; Eduardo Sanchez is the winner in his first appearance since June 12th. For its part, Atlanta had led the National League wild card race since June 20th.

ByBaseball

Both wild card races are tied at the end of today’s games, with one day left in the season. Atlanta loses, 7 – 1, to Philadelphia after a poor performance by starting pitcher Derek Lowe, while St. Louis overcomes an early 5 – 0 deficit to beat Houston, 13 – 6. Ryan Theriot delivers a tie-breaking two-run triple as a pinch-hitter in the 7th to open the floodgates for the Cardinals, who use seven relievers in the game after Jake Westbrook leaves early; Eduardo Sanchez is the winner in his first appearance since June 12th. For its part, Atlanta had led the National League wild card race since June 20th.

After giving up five runs in the top of the tenth inning, the Diamondbacks score six times in the bottom of the frame in an amazing 7-6 come-from-behind victory over the Dodgers. Arizona infielder Ryan Roberts delivers the decisive blow in the Chase Field contest, a walk-off grand slam with two outs.

ByBaseball

After giving up five runs in the top of the tenth inning, the Diamondbacks score six times in the bottom of the frame in an amazing 7-6 come-from-behind victory over the Dodgers. Arizona infielder Ryan Roberts delivers the decisive blow in the Chase Field contest, a walk-off grand slam with two outs.

Meanwhile, in the American League, the Red Sox have to thank third-string catcher Ryan Lavarnway, making his first career start behind the plate because of injuries to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek, for their 8 – 7 win over Baltimore­. Lavarnway hits his first two major league homers then makes a great defensive play on a squibbler by Matt Wieters as the Orioles are rallying in the 9th. The Rays stay tied with Boston by beating the Yankees, 5 – 3, thanks to home runs by Matt Joyce and Ben Zobrist which account for all of their scoring. The Rays also pull a triple play in the 6th inning in the game.

ByBaseball

Meanwhile, in the American League, the Red Sox have to thank third-string catcher Ryan Lavarnway, making his first career start behind the plate because of injuries to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek, for their 8 – 7 win over Baltimore­. Lavarnway hits his first two major league homers then makes a great defensive play on a squibbler by Matt Wieters as the Orioles are rallying in the 9th. The Rays stay tied with Boston by beating the Yankees, 5 – 3, thanks to home runs by Matt Joyce and Ben Zobrist which account for all of their scoring. The Rays also pull a triple play in the 6th inning in the game.

12,446 fans attend the Rays game during pennant race

ByThis Day in Baseball

With an opportunity to see their team clinch a postseason berth, only 12,446 fans attend the Rays game against Baltimore at Tropicana Field. The club, inspired by third baseman Evan Longoria’s criticism of the low attendance figures, will make 20,000 free tickets available in the finale of the series in an effort get more ‘energy’ into the domed ballpark. “It’s a tough situation for us. A lot of the visiting teams come in and wonder where are all the fans. It’s actually a little bit embarrassing for us. We’re one game away from clinching a postseason spot.” – EVAN LONGORIA,Rays third baseman commenting on team’s low attendance.

The Phillies capture their fourth consecutive NL East title when they beat Washington, 8-0, behind Roy Halladay’s two-hit complete-game. Unlike the previous seasons, when the Fightin’ Phils’ trademark was the big bats in the lineup, this year’s squad excelled due to a strong starting rotation that included Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, in addition to Halladay.

ByTom

The Phillies capture their fourth consecutive NL East title when they beat Washington, 8-0, behind Roy Halladay’s two-hit complete-game. Unlike the previous seasons, when the Fightin’ Phils’ trademark was the big bats in the lineup, this year’s squad excelled due to a strong starting rotation that included Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt, in addition to Halladay.

The Yankees are assured of the best record in the American League after a 4 – 2 win over Boston. Andy Pettitte picks up the win and, as usual, Mariano Rivera gets the save in New York’s 100th win of the year. New York finishes 9-9 against their bitter rivals, after dropping the first 8 contests between the two teams.

ByBaseball

The Yankees are assured of the best record in the American League after a 4 – 2 win over Boston. Andy Pettitte picks up the win and, as usual, Mariano Rivera gets the save in New York’s 100th win of the year. New York finishes 9-9 against their bitter rivals, after dropping the first 8 contests between the two teams.

Paul Beeston is appointed for a three-year term as president and CEO of the Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre, the home of the Toronto franchise. In October of 2008, the former MLB president took the position on an interim basis, replacing Paul Godfrey.

ByBaseball

Paul Beeston is appointed for a three-year term as president and CEO of the Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre, the home of the Toronto franchise. In October of 2008, the former MLB president took the position on an interim basis, replacing Paul Godfrey.

Atlanta beats Washington, 6 – 3, thanks to 3 runs in the top of the 10th, completing a three-game sweep. The Braves have won 6 straight, 10 in a row on the road, and 14 of 16 to displace San Francisco as Colorado’s main rivals for the National League wild card; they are now 2 1/2 games back of the Rockies.

ByBaseball

Atlanta beats Washington, 6 – 3, thanks to 3 runs in the top of the 10th, completing a three-game sweep. The Braves have won 6 straight, 10 in a row on the road, and 14 of 16 to displace San Francisco as Colorado’s main rivals for the National League wild card; they are now 2 1/2 games back of the Rockies.