New York — Rookie Tyler Austin hit a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the New York Yankees their season-high fifth straight victory, 5-4 over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night.
Brian McCann hit two homers for the Yankees, who moved a season-high nine games over .500 (74-65).
Austin homered off Erasmo Ramirez (7-11) on a 3-2 pitch for his third homer since being called up Aug. 13. Teammates met him at home plate by dousing him with water in a raucous celebration.
After blowing three leads during the first six innings, New York moved within two games of Baltimore for the second AL wild card and four games of AL East-leading Boston. Resurgent New York plays 20 of its remaining 23 games against division opponents, putting it in position to compete despite selling off key pieces at the Aug. 1 deadline.
Indians 10, Astros 7
Cleveland — The Indians scored a pair of runs on a controversial bases-loaded wild pitch by David Paulino in the third inning that led to the ejection of Houston manager A.J. Hinch, and Cleveland went on to win.
Cleveland led 2-1 when Lonnie Chisenhall attempted to check his swing on a pitch in the dirt. The ball bounced away from catcher Jason Castro and rolled toward the on-deck circle near the Indians dugout. Play was allowed to continue, although replays showed Chisenhall fouled off the pitch. All three runners — Francisco Lindor, Mike Napoli and Jose Ramirez — crossed the plate.
Hinch protested the ruling and was ejected by plate umpire Jim Joyce. After a video review, Lindor and Napoli were allowed to score for a 4-1 lead, and Ramirez was placed at second.
Phillies 4, Nationals 1
Washington — Ryan Howard hit a three-run homer, Alec Asher pitched six innings of two-hit ball coming off a suspension, and Philadelphia defeated Washington.
Peter Bourjos homered for the Phillies, who have won three of four.
Pirates 4, Reds 1
Pittsburgh — Ivan Nova pitched a six-hitter to stay unbeaten with Pittsburgh and Jung Ho Kang hit a two-run double to key a three-run first inning as the Pirates defeated Cincinnati, extending the Reds’ losing streak to five games.
Nova (12-6) pitched his second complete game in seven starts since being acquired from the New York Yankees in a trade on Aug. 1.
Brewers 12, Cardinals 5
St. Louis — Domingo Santana and Orlando Arcia hit back-to-back homers as the Brewers continued their recent road dominance.
Hernan Perez had four hits and three RBIs for the Brewers, who won their season-high fifth straight on the road and have won seven of their last eight games.
The Cardinals fell to 30-38 at home and dropped a half game behind the idle New York Mets for the second wild card spot.
Santana and Arcia connected on consecutive pitches in t
