The Blue Jays game into play in September with a 1.5-game deficit to make up in the AL Wild Card race. And with Toronto going to Cleveland to start a series with the Guardians, the team in the final spot, the Jays had an opportunity to take matters into their own hands. But on September 1, it was Cleveland’s ace who did just that.
Guardians gain in Wild Card race
The Guardians won 6-1 over the Blue Jays.
Gavin Williams, who picked up his 13th win of 2026, was masterful. Williams struck out 13 over seven innings and allowed just one unearned run. That run came via a wild pitch from the right-hander, which scored Kazuma Okamoto in the fifth.
Oddly enough, that was the first run of the game. From that point forward, it was all Cleveland. Patrick Bailey, Angel Genao, and Angel Martinez all hit home runs for the Guardians.
Pirates, Giants combine for 25 runs
A throwing error from Oslevis Basabe scored Brandon Lowe in the ninth, giving the Pirates a 13-12 win in one of the wildest games of the year.
Yet again, it was an inefficient start from Paul Skenes. The Giants scored five runs off Skenes in the second, highlighted by a three-run shot from Rafael Devers. But the Pirates were able to tee off Logan Webb, as part of a nine-run third inning.
The Giants, though, chipped away at what was an 11-5 lead at point for Pittsburgh. San Francisco scored two in the sixth, gave one back with a Lowe home run, and then scored five in the eighth to tie it.
Brewers even series with Cubs
After the Cubs blew out Milwaukee on August 31, the Brewers got one back with a 9-4 win over Chicago.
Christian Yelich and Joey Ortiz both went deep, while Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio, and William Contreras each had two hits.
On the Cubs’ side, all four of Chicago’s relievers gave up at least one run. Daniel Palencia and Ryan Zeferjahn were each charged with two.
Rangers shorten Astros’ lead
The Texas Rangers defeated the Athletics 8-5.
Brandon Nimmo had four hits and five RBI for the Rangers. Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford each had two hits.
With that victory, the Rangers, at 69-70, were just one game behind the Astros for first in the AL West as of September 2.
Mariners win in Montes’ debut
Bryan Woo and the Mariners defeated the Red Sox 9-6.
Jedixson Paez, making his Red Sox big-league debut, was tagged for eight earned runs and 10 hits over 3.2 IP. Dominic Canzone and Randy Arozarena each hit home runs off the rookie pitcher. Lazaro Montes, making his big-league debut, notched a single in his first MLB at-bat after he picked up a walk in his first official plate appearance.
Later on in the game, he took Wyatt Olds deep for his first MLB home run.
As for Woo, he struck out seven and allowed just one earned run over six innings.
Everything else
- Reds def. Padres 4-3
- Rays def. Mets 6-2
- Twins def. Tigers 15-2
- Nationals def. Braves 9-5
- Marlins def. Royals 6-3
- Astros def. White Sox 5-1
- Rockies def. Orioles 4-2
- Phillies def. Diamondbacks 7-1
- Yankees def. Angels 7-3
- Cardinals def. Dodgers 13-8
One last note: the Angels will reportedly have a new owner. Stan Kroenke, the owner of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, is reportedly purchasing the club from Arte Moreno.
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