The Pennant Race - 9/18

Brandon Webb pitched the Diamondbacks back to within 3.5 games of the NL West lead in Arizona's 7-6 win over the Giants. Webb allowed two earned runs over seven innings to earn his 21st win. The Diamondbacks bullpen nearly gave the game away in the ninth though as the Giants scored three times before Tony Pena retired the final two batters.

The Dodgers meanwhile got clobbered by Adam LaRoche (2 HRs, 5 RBI) and Nate McLouth (HR, 4 RBI) and the Pirates, 15-8. Starter Zach Duke was ineffective, but six Pirate relievers stemmed the tide.

Cliff Lee came away with a no-decision after allowing three earned runs in 6.1 innings pitched, but the Indians continued to do damage to the Twins playoff hopes with a 6-4 win. The victory completed a three game sweep for the Tribe. Travis Hafner hit his first home run since May 16.

The Mets built up an 8-1 lead over the Nationals and then hung on as their beleaguered bullpen nearly blew it. The Mets emerged with a 9-7 final as 32-yr old Brandon Knight, who debuted as a Yankee back in 2001, won his first major league game. Carlos Beltran (2), Carlos Delgado, and Jose Reyes each homered.

The Phillies maintained their half-game lead with a relatively easy 6-1 win over the Braves. J.A. Happ picked up his first major league win after tossing six scoreless innings. Carlos Ruiz knocked in two runs and Ryan Howard picked up RBI number 137.

The Brewers stayed a half-game back of the Mets in the wildcard with a 6-2 win over the Cubs. It wasn't all good news for the Brewers though as Ben Sheets had to leave the game in the third inning with tightness in his forearm. Prince Fielder jump started the offense with a 3-run double in the first inning.