The Texas Rangers cut their deficit in the American League Wild Card standings to one game after crushing the Houston Astros, 12-0, on the strength of Alex Rios' first-career cycle.
AL Wild Card standings: Rangers cut into deficit
The Rangers are staying close in the AL Wild Card race. The same can’t be said of the Orioles, who are hanging on by a thread after losing their fifth straight.
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Indians had the day off, but lost a half-game on the Tampa Bay Rays, who still hold the top Wild Card spot. Tampa Bay rallied for three runs in the final three innings, capped off by James Loney’s walk-off home run, to beat the Baltimore Orioles, 5-4.
The Orioles' playoff chances were severely hindered, both by losing the game and by losing Manny Machado, who suffered what appeared to be a serious leg injury in the seventh inning. Baltimore is now five games back with six to play.
The Kansas City Royals picked up a half-game on the Indians by dispatching of the Seattle Mariners. They are three back of the final playoff spot. The New York Yankees remained a game back of the Royals and four behind the Indians after having the day off.
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