The Milwaukee Brewers have stumbled through most of September, compiling a 4-15 record until Prince Fielder broke out on Sunday with his 33d home run in the first inning and a two-run double in the 4th, leading the Brewers to an 8-1 win over the Reds.
The win - coupled with the Mets' 7-6 loss to Atlanta - left the Brew crew 1 1/2 games behind the New Yorkers in the wild card race. The Phillies inched closer to their second straight NL East title with a 5-2 win over Florida. Philly leads the Mets by 1 1/2 and Florida by 6 1/2.
Notes: The West tightened again as the Dodgers lost, 1-0, in 12 innings, to San Francisco while Arizona enjoyed a rare power surge in their 13-4 win at Colorado. The Dodgers lead the Diamondbacks by 2 1/2 games. LA has just 6 games left to play; Arizona, 7.
American League
Having conceded nothing in the AL East race Daisuke Matsuzaka (18-2) shut down the Toronto Blue Jays on 2 hits over 7 innings, pulling the Red Sox to just 1 1/2 behind the Rays as Boston beat back Toronto, 3-0, entering the final week of the regular season.
The Rays lost, 4-1, to the Twins, but time is running out on Minnesota. Chicago lowered their magic number to 5, topping Kansas City, 3-0. They lead the Twins by 2 1/2 games, but the Twins get one final shot as the White Sox visit Minnesota for a 3-game series, Tuesday through Thursday.
Notes: In storybook fashion, the Yankees ended their stay at Yankee Stadium with a win, beating the Orioles, 7-3. Through the years, the "House that Ruth Built" has hosted no-hitters and home run hitters, playoff and World Series magic, in addition to football, boxing, concerts and papal visitations. A home to presidents and players alike, Yankee Stadium - though it will be torn down this fall - remains engraved in not only baseball history, but the history of our nation and the world.
Farewell, old friend. It's been fun.
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