The Arizona Diamondbacks are one victory away from advancing in Major League Baseball's playoffs after beating the Chicago Cubs 8-4 Thursday.
Arizona got timely hits from their its players, including rookie Chris Young's three-run homer, while pitcher Doug Davis held the Cubs to just two runs over five innings. He struck out eight batters.
The Diamondbacks have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five National League Divisional series, and could advance with a win Saturday in Chicago.
In the other N.L. divisional series, the Colorado Rockies beat the Philadelphia Phillies 10-5, giving them a 2-0 advantage in that showdown. The Rockies can advance with a win Saturday in Denver.
In the American League, the Cleveland Indians enjoyed a 12-3 rout of the New York Yankees Thursday in the opening game of their best-of-five series.
The Indians pounded the Yankees for 14 hits, including four home runs, while starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia struck out five batters. He gave up just four hits in five innings.
Game two of the best-of-five series will be held Friday in Cleveland.
The Boston Red Sox look to take a 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Angels Friday in Boston.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
