Every day, between now and September 27, is a de facto playoff game for several AL teams. For the White Sox, Chicago picked up a big win in the AL Central, drawing even with the Guardians. As for the Rangers, Texas ceded ground to the Astros. But also on September 17, the second division winner of 2026 was crowned.
Dodgers win fifth straight division title
The Dodgers defeated the Reds 8-2 in Cincinnati, locking up the NL West and a guaranteed top-three seed in the National League playoffs.
Kyle Tucker had a grand say with four hits, including a single, a home run, and two doubles. Freddie Freeman, Miguel Rojas, and Max Muncy each had two hits for the Dodgers. Justin Wrobleski started and struck out three over three scoreless innings. Landon Knack tossed four scoreless to pick up a win.
This was the fifth straight NL West title for the Dodgers, as Los Angeles won it every year since the Giants captured it in 2021.
White Sox get back in win column
Chicago won 3-1 against the Tigers on the 17th, winning after losing control of first place in the AL Central on the 16th.
All three runs came off the bat of Munetaka Murakami, who hit his 32nd of 2026 off Framber Valdez in the first inning. The White Sox were able to piece things together on the mound. Grant Taylor went 2.1 innings for the save.
That win tied things once more in the AL Central. Since the White Sox won the season series 7-6 with Cleveland, Chicago would win the division in the event of a tie after 162 games.
Rangers lose late
The Red Sox left Arlington on a high note, as Boston defeated the Rangers 4-3.
Down 3-0 entering the seventh, a Roman Anthony ground ball turned into a force, which scored Boston’s first run.
Then, in the eighth inning, Trevor Story hit a three-run home run to give the Red Sox a lead permanently.
Astros regain sole control of AL West
With that loss, the Astros were able to take sole control of the AL West. Houston defeated the Royals 6-2.
Houston hit four solo shots after the Royals went up 1-0 in the first. Jeremy Pena and Daulton Varsho each hit home runs in the first. Then, in the fifth inning, LaMonte Wade Jr. went deep before Yordan Alvarez cranked his 40th home run of 2026.
Ethan Pecko struck out four over 5.2 innings of bulk relief, picking up the win.
Everything else
- Pirates def. Brewers 7-4
- Rays def. Athletics 10-1
- Padres def. Rockies 9-2
- Phillies def. Mets 3-0
- Angels def. Twins 5-4 (10)
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