CLEVELAND — The Minnesota Twins missed a chance to clinch a playoff spot on their own Wednesday night as Danny Salazar gave Cleveland’s brain trust more to consider with a strong start and Yan Gomes homered, lifting the Indians to a 4-2 win.
Minnesota could still earn an AL wild-card spot and its first postseason trip since 2010 if the Los Angeles Angels lose later in Chicago to the White Sox.
The Indians improved to 30-3 since Aug. 24 and stayed one game ahead of Houston for the best record in the AL and home-field advantage until the World Series.
The turnaround Twins made it interesting in the ninth, pulling within 4-2 on Jorge Polanco’s two-run homer with one out. But closer Cody Allen stopped the comeback and Minnesota’s players hustled into the clubhouse to watch the Angels.
Cubs clinch division
ST. LOUIS — Addison Russell hit a three-run homer and John Lackey pitched six strong innings as the Chicago Cubs clinched their second consecutive National League Central title with a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Cubs reached the postseason for the third straight year for the first time since 1908. They are also the first defending World Series champion to win their division the next season since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies and the first defending champion to reach the playoffs the next season since the Cardinals won the wild card in 2012.
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