Games of the Day  —  Take a late lunch if you'd like to watch Clayton Kershaw pitch against Edwin Jackson as the Dodgers play the Cubs in an afternoon tilt.  If you draw the innings line at 135 IP, Kershaw and Jackson are at opposite ends of the spectrum, Kershaw with the best ERA in the majors, Jackson the worst.

Martin's homer helps Pirates rally past sinking Brewers  —  PITTSBURGH — Russell Martin hit a three-run homer off Jonathan Broxton in the bottom of the eighth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates inched closer to a playoff berth with a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night.

Mets' minors not just about the pitchers anymore  —  Kevin Plawecki is one of the Mets' minor league up-and-comers.  —  As the Mets look toward 2015 and beyond, a seismic shift could be occurring within their farm system.  —  After several years of pitchers — specifically right-handed …

Marlins slugger speaks to media one week after sustaining fractures, dental damage  —  9/18/14: The Marlins broadcast discusses the progress of Giancarlo Stanton as he talks to reporters for the first time since his injury  —  MIAMI — Giancarlo Stanton's season may be over …

eMail Q&A: Will the Mets ever have a New York payroll?  —  Jerry in Florida: As you mentioned the other day, budget dollars for the Mets are still ‘tight.’ I will not be upset if the Mets don't spend on a shortstop, as long they re-direct that money to the outfield. ...

Mariners boost wild-card bid with ninth-inning win over Angels  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Logan Morrison felt no weight on his shoulders from the Seattle Mariners' two-game offensive drought and teetering playoff hopes when he stepped to the plate with two outs in the ninth inning of a scoreless game.

Rosario 2-Run HR in 9th, Rockies Beat D-Backs  —  DENVER — Wilin Rosario hit a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Colorado Rockies rallied to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 on Thursday night.  —  Rosario finished with four hits to lift the Rockies into a fourth-place tie with Arizona in the NL West.

Erlin, Padres Bullpen Stifle Phillies 7-3  —  SAN DIEGO — Robbie Erlin pitched six strong innings, Alexi Amarista and Will Venable homered and the San Diego defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 on Thursday night.  —  Erlin (4-4), slowed by a sore elbow this season, allowed a run on five hits in his first start since May 17.

Nationals continue chase for NL's best record in win over Marlins  —  MIAMI - Gio Gonzalez allowed two runs in seven innings, Bryce Harper had three hits, and the Washington Nationals kept up their push for home-field advantage in the NL playoffs by beating the Miami Marlins 6-2 on Thursday night.

Jeter begins final homestand with HR in win  —  Recap  —  Box Score  —  Play-By-Play  —  Photos  —  Conversation  —  Derek Jeter ends home homerless drought as Yankees drop Jays  —  NEW YORK — Derek Jeter began his final homestand for the New York Yankees with one more stroll around the bases.