Morning Marquee: Giants pull closer with win over Dodgers

A ground ball back up the middle in the top of the 11th inning looked to be the go-ahead knock for the San Francisco Giants, but Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Yasiel Puig had other plans, putting a throw dead on-the-money to nail Brandon Belt, who was attempting to score from second, preserving the tie and continuing the marathon game at Dodger Stadium.

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When the dust settled, Puig’s throw proved to not make much of a difference as Bruce Bochy‘s club scored three runs in the top of the 13th to hold onto a tie atop the National League Wild Card standings and keep the Dodgers from inching closer to the National League West title.

In other games with postseason implications, the Oakland Athletics picked up a win against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim behind former Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija, the Pittsburgh Pirates squeaked out a 1-0 win over Atlanta and the Kansas City Royals pulled to within one game of the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers with a win.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals, a club that has been red-hot in the season’s second half, came to the Windy City, kicking off the Chicago Cubs’ final homestand of the season at Wrigley Field. Staff ace Adam Wainwright cruised, tossing seven innings of three-hit ball, leading the Cardinals against Travis Wood, who struggled in Chicago’s 8-0 loss.

Here’s more from around the world of Major League Baseball:

“Travis Wood shelled as Cardinals blank Cubs, 8-0” – Cubbies Crib

“Royals best Indians, pull within one game of Detroit” – ESPN

“Braves fire GM Frank Wren” – Call to the Pen

“Giants take first game behind Peavy and Susac” – Around the Foghorn

“Athletics clip Angels in AL West battle” – Swingin’ A’s