Morning Marquee: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers claim NL West

With a win at home over the division rival San Francisco Giants, left-hander Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the National League Western Division title for the second consecutive year.

More from Chicago Cubs News

Los Angeles topped the Giants thanks to a pair of four-run innings late in the game and a dominant eight innings of one-run ball by their star left-hander. Yasiel Puig also homered and had a stellar defensive play to help pace the Dodgers.

Meanwhile, at Wrigley Field, the year-long celebration of the ballpark’s centennial anniversary came to a triumphant end as Jake Arrieta did what he’s done all season long – mow down hitters at the Friendly Confines. The right-hander pitched masterfully, also hitting a two-run RBI triple – giving the Chicago Cubs their first winning record at home in five years.

In other action, the Pittsburgh Pirates loss to the Braves, which allowed the St. Louis Cardinals to see their magic number drop to three, despite the loss to the Cubs. The Oakland Athletics fell to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and will likely see their postseason future decided in the coming days as the regular season draws to a close.

In other news, Phil Hughes missed out on a $500K bonus because of a rain delay in his final start of the season.

Here’s more from around Major League Baseball:

“Jake Arrieta leads Cubs to win in final home game of 2014” – Cubbies Crib

“Revenge is a dish best served Kersh” – Lasorda’s Lair

“Astros to talk to Phil Nevin about managerial opening” – Call to the Pen

“Pirates fall to Braves; stumble in Central bid” – ESPN

“Cubs to start three rookies in final series of the year” – Cubbies Crib

Home/Chicago Cubs News