LEADING OFF: Braves & Astros can clinch, MadBum in SanFran

A look at what's happening around the majors today:

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ONE FOR FOUR

Atlanta can clinch its fourth consecutive NL East title with a win at home over Philadelphia, which would complete a three-game sweep of their high-stakes series.

Ian Anderson (8-5, 3.60 ERA) pitches for the Braves — the right-hander has no decisions and a 3.09 ERA in four starts against Philadelphia this year. Kyle Gibson (10-8, 3.60) goes for the Phillies, who get eliminated from playoff contention with one more loss or any Atlanta win the rest of the season.

Philadelphia’s biggest bats have gone silent at the worst possible time.

Bryce Harper, a top contender for NL MVP, and cleanup hitter J.T. Realmuto are a combined 0 for 15 in the series. Harper, who had reached base in 23 straight games before Wednesday, is 0 for 7 with five strikeouts.

TO WIN THE WEST

Houston looks to wrap up its fourth AL West crown in five years with a victory at home against Tampa Bay.

Lance McCullers Jr. (12-5, 3.17 ERA) starts the series finale for the Astros, who have lost five of their last six games.

“The key is you’re still on the cusp,” manager Dusty Baker said. “There’s a whole bunch of people who ain’t on the cusp. You’ve got to play the game. Nobody is going to give it to you.”

The AL East champion Rays will go with an opener or Ryan Yarbrough (9-6, 5.09).

MADISON’S MOMENT

Madison Bumgarner will finally get his moment to be celebrated by the San Francisco fans.

The big Arizona lefty (7-10, 4.58 ERA) pitches against his old Giants club with a crowd this time — unlike his first outing back at Oracle Park last September played in front of cardboard cutouts. The Diamondbacks played in San Francisco earlier this season and he came out of the dugout to wave at the...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Braves-Astros-can-clinch-MadBum-16498359.php