Dodgers clinch playoff spot, eye NL West crown

First, Pittsburgh beat Milwaukee to clinch a playoff spot for the Dodgers, then San Diego beat San Francisco to knock another notch off the magic number.

Dodgers 14, Cubs 5: Even though Clayton Kershaw only lasted five innings he still won his 20th game, thanks to four home runs, including two by catcher A.J.

Pirates 4, Brewers 2: Old friend Russell Martin hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning against old friend Jonathan Broxton, turning a 2-0 Milwaukee lead into a Pittsburgh lead.

Padres starter Odrisamer Despaigne allowed only two hits in seven scoreless innings for the win, and could get voted a playoff share by the Dodgers for allowing one run on eight hits in 20 innings against the Giants this season.

Pittsburgh beat the Giants in four of six meetings this season, and as a result holds the tiebreaker and would host the Wild Card Game should the two teams tie.

Nationals 3, Marlins 2: Adam LaRoche hit a two-run home run and Doug Fister pitched into the seventh inning, keeping Washington 1 games ahead of the Dodgers for the National League’s best record.