OAKLAND, Calif. -- Adrian Beltre hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning and the Texas Rangers secured their second straight AL West title, becoming the first American League team to clinch a playoff spot with a 3-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
Beltre's homer came during a three-run seventh after Oakland starter Kendall Graveman (10-11) began with six perfect innings. Texas got its first baserunner when Carlos Gomez beat out an infield hit to lead off the seventh against Graveman.
This is Texas' eighth AL West title and fourth since 2010.
All-Star left-hander Cole Hamels (15-5), acquired prior to last year's non-waiver trade deadline, pitched the division-clinching game for the second year in a row. Last year, he threw a three-hitter in the last game of the regular season to beat the Los Angeles Angels.
Rangers closer Sam Dyson got pinch-hitter Yonder Alonso to hit into a fielder's choice for the last out to record his 36th save (see full recap).
Trumbo gives Orioles win with walk-off HR in 12th
BALTIMORE -- Mark Trumbo led off the 12th inning with his major league-leading 44th home run, and the Baltimore Orioles rallied from a late two-run deficit to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 on Friday night.
After getting swept in a four-game series by Boston, the Orioles remained a half-game behind Detroit for the AL's second wild card.
MLB
Baltimore trailed 2-0 before Pedro Alvarez homered in the eighth off Enrique Burgos and Matt Wieters homered against Daniel Hudson leading off the ninth.
Oliver Drake (1-0) pitched a scoreless 12th for his first big league win. Matt Koch (1-1) relieved to start the bottom half and Trumbo sent his first pitch over the left-field fence, setting off a celebration (see full recap).
Brewers turn triple play in win over Reds
MILWAUKEE -- Chris Carter homered, Ryan Braun delivered a late clutch hit and the Milwaukee Brewers turned their second triple play of the season in a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.
Carter hit his 38th home run of the season leading off the second against Anthony DeSclafani (8-4).
Jose Peraza put the Reds in front with a three-run homer with one out in the fifth off Milwaukee starter Zach Davies.
The Brewers scored in the sixth on Carter's RBI groundout to cut the lead to 3-2.
Milwaukee loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, chasing DeSclafani. Scooter Gennett drew a walk off reliever Tony Cingrani to tie the score. Milwaukee regained the lead when Braun followed with a two-run single off Blake Wood.
Brent Suter (2-1) retired the only batter he faced to get the victory.
Tyler Thornburg gave up a run in the ninth but notched his 13th save in 18 tries (see full recap).