Cole helps Pirates clinch playoff berth

Gerrit Cole overcame some early troubles to retire 17 successive batters as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 and clinched a spot in the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Cole (11-5), who gave up a run in each of the first two innings, pitched seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits and two walks, striking out eight.

The victory, combined with Cincinnati’s win over Milwaukee, clinched a wild-card spot for the Pirates (86-71) who also remain in contention for the National League Central title.

Elsewhere, Devin Mesoraco and Todd Frazier homered in support of Johnny Cueto, who pitched eight strong innings to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Edwin Encarnacion homered and drove in four runs while Dalton Pompey hit his first major league homer as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Seattle Mariners 10-2.

Other results:

Royals 7, Indians 1

Nationals 4, Mets 2

Tigers 4, White Sox 3

Orioles 5, Yankees 4

Marlins 2, Phillies 0

Rays 6, Red Sox 2

Dodgers 4, Giants 2

Angels 2, As 0

Cubs 4, Cardinals 3 (10 innings)

Twins 6, Diamondbacks 3

Rangers 2, Astros 1