Austin Jackson hit a three-run homer to back five shutout innings from Jason Hammel as the Cubs beat the Reds 5-3 at Great American Ball Park. Anthony Rizzo and Chris Denorfia also drove in runs as Chicago won its fifth in-a-row. Hammel scattered five hits without a walk for his 10th win and Hector Rondon recorded his 29th save. The Cubs are two back of the Pirates for home-field advantage in the Wild Card game. John Lamb allowed all five runs in less than four innings to fall to 1-and-5 for Cincinnati. Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips had RBI singles in defeat.
The Cubs wrap up the regular season this weekend in Milwaukee.
Jonny Gomes drove in three runs as the Royals downed the White Sox, 6-4, in the rubber match of a three-game set in Chicago. Mike Moustakas added two hits and two RBI for Kansas City, which pulled into a tie with Toronto for the best record in the American League. Kris Medlen went six innings for his sixth win. Ryan Madson closed it out for his third save. Jose Abreu eclipsed the 100-RBI mark by driving in two for Chicago. John Danks allowed all six runs and 11 hits in five innings to fall to 7-and-15.
White Sox are at home tonight against Detroit.