MLB's Contenders Wrap-Up 8-24-11

The races are tightening up in AL West, AL East, and NL West. The other division leaders Detroit (AL Central), Milwaukee (NL Central), and Philadelphia (NL East) are starting to open up their leads in their respective divisions. Here are the run down on last nights action below:

American League:

The AL West leading Texas Rangers faced the AL East leading Boston Redsox in Arlington, TX. The red-hot Boston Redsox pounded out 16 hits, dominating the Texas team who have been struggling the last two games. Boston took charge early scoring 5 runs in the first two innings and never looked back. Boston defeated the AL West leading Rangers 13-2.

The second place Los Angeles Angels played in Anaheim, CA against the Chicago Whitesox. The Angels dominated the Whitesox from the start behind Weavers pitching gem. Angels went on to win 8-0 and pulled within 2 1/2 games behind the Rangers.

The second place Yankees hosted the Oakland A's. Oaklands Coco Crisp homered twice to help lead the A's to a 6-4 win. The A's clinched the series win over the Yankees, to end a 10 straight series loss. Yankees fell a game back to Boston in AL East.

National League:

The NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks faced the Washington Nationals in DC. Arizonas' Daniel Hudson fell one out short of pitching his first career shutout. Hudson surrendered back-to back homers in the ninth. Arizona defeated Washington 4-2.

The second place San Francisco Giants faced the San Diego Padres. Lincecum pitched 8 solid innings giving up 4 hits and allowing 1 earned run. Stauffer who pitched for the Padres pitched 6 solid innings giving up 2 earned runs and allowing just 6 hits. The Giants were just a little better and won the game by a 2-1 margin.  The win for the Giants kept them within 2 games of the Diamondbacks.

News:

San Francisco signed Heath Bell off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

Tragic News:

Former Cy Young winner Mike Flannagan, who won 167 games over 18 seasons with Baltimore and the Toronto Blue Jays, was found dead outside his home Wednesday afternoon. The reason for his death was not immediately known. Flannagan was 59.

Neal