DENVER -- The streaking San Francisco Giants pulled into a three-way tie for the NL wild-card lead Friday night, beating the Colorado Rockies 8-6 behind Rich Aurilia's four hits and two RBI.
The Giants (88-72) tied the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, both of whom lost Friday night, with two games left in the season.
In Houston, Derek Bell hit a two-run homer and Moises Alou singled home the go-ahead run in the fourth inning, sending the Astros past the Cubs. The Cubs lost for the fifth time in six games.
In Atlanta, the Mets twice left the bases loaded and stranded 12 runners overall in falling to the Braves 6-5.
RANGERS CLINCH:
The Texas Rangers clinched the AL West when Oakland defeated the second-place Anaheim Angels 7-2. Texas lost to Seattle and was still battling Cleveland for the right to play host to Boston in the playoffs. The Indians lost 5-4 to Minnesota.
By beating Tampa Bay 6-1, the New York Yankees set an AL mark with their 112th win, passing the 1954 Indians.
Derek Jeter became the first Yankees shortstop in nearly a half-century to get 200 hits.
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