SAN DIEGO (AP) — Chris Heisey homered and hit a three-run double, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 12-2 romp over the San Diego Padres on Sunday, reducing their magic number to one for winning the NL Central.
Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips also homered for the Reds, denied a chance to clinch the division title when the St. Louis Cardinals held on to win 8-7 at the Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati is off Monday and then opens a three-game series at home Tuesday night against the Houston Astros.
San Diego’s loss ensured a playoff spot for the Philadelphia Phillies, who lead the NL East by six games over Atlanta.
The Padres dropped a half-game behind the first-place San Francisco Giants in the NL West race, and took a half-game lead over Atlanta in the wild-card race.
