2014 MLB playoffs standings: Giants close gap in NL West

The San Francisco Giants pulled within two games of the NL West lead thanks to two rookies.

The first is Los Angeles Dodgers rookie starting pitcher Carlos Frias, who went ⅔ of an inning, allowing eight runs on 10 hits, somehow giving up just a single home run. The second is the Giants' own Matt Duffy, he of the 524 OPS entering play on Wednesday. Called upon to face Diamondbacks closer Addison Reed with the bases juiced in the top of the ninth inning, Duffy came through with a single, scoring two, and providing the difference in the 4-2 Giants win.

The Giants get a night off on Thursday while they travel from Phoenix to San Diego for a three-game set with the Padres. The Dodgers will take what's sure to be a long flight from Denver to Chicago to begin a four-game series with the Cubs on Thursday night. The two clubs meet again on Monday for a three-game series. The Giants close out their season hosting the Padres for four games, while the Dodgers take on the Rockies for three in LA.

• Hunter Pence inspired yet another #HunterPenceSign

pic.twitter.com/5MQOKnvl4m

— Daniel Brim (@DanielBrim) September 17, 2014

@DanielBrim Hunter Pence doesn't know how to play the bongos

— Miguel (@insommne) September 17, 2014

• Wade Davis has been historically good this season, and it looks even moreso compared to the Dodgers ineptitude today
  

  The Dodgers had 2 different pitchers today allow at least as many runs as Wade Davis has allowed all season(6)

  — Neal Kendrick (@neal_kendrick) September 17, 2014

• The Royals won tonight, 6-2, thanks to some rather unique events taking place
  

  XBH by lefties off Sale this season: Cano (double) July 4 Aoki (double) tonight

  — Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) September 18, 2014

  ... and that wasn't all, as Lorenzo Cain hit a huge home run, to give KC the lead
  

  Per #WhiteSox PR that's the first time Chris Sale allowed an 0-2 homer in his career.

  — Dan Hayes (@CSNHayes) September 18, 2014