Teams that have dominated their divisions through much of this season could are mere days from wrapping up postseason berths. Teams still embroiled in the dramatic battles, like in the tight NL Central and AL Wild Card races, made things more intense.

The Red Sox paid tribute to Mariano Rivera’s stellar career in an elaborate pregame ceremony on Sunday night at Fenway Park, calling the retiring Yankees closer “a real gentleman, a fierce competitor and a most worthy opponent.”

Five brave Astros players did their best to shake off any stage fright in their dancing debuts Sunday night at the House of Blues, unsure of what they were getting themselves into as the guinea pigs in the inaugural “Dancing with the ‘Stros presented by Minute Maid” fundraising event.

The Yankees have a new injury to watch with Alex Rodriguez, who was forced to exit Sunday’s game against the Red Sox with tightness in his right calf.

The Red Sox have played lights-out baseball in recent weeks, and they continued that trend on Sunday night at Fenway Park, finishing off a three-game sweep with a 9-2 victory over the Yankees in the final rivalry matchup of the season.

Home runs by Matt Carson, Nick Swisher (two) and Asdrubal Cabrera carried the Indians to a 7-1 win, their 12th straight victory over the White Sox, and to within a half-game of the AL Wild Card-leading Rays and Rangers on Sunday.

The Dodgers opened their homestand with a home run barrage against the D-backs, but they fell victim to the long ball Sunday in a 4-3 loss to the Giants. Their magic number remains four with a series opening in Arizona on Monday.

Let the battle for the American League Wild Card continue. As the Rangers and Rays begin a pivotal four-game series Monday night at Tropicana Field, the teams are tied atop the AL Wild Card standings, closely followed by the Indians. Tampa Bay righty Alex Cobb opposes former Rays righty Matt Garza in the opener.

Josmil Pinto hit a two-out, three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to give the Twins a shocking 6-4 victory over the Rays on Sunday at Target Field. Since Texas lost, too, the Rays and Rangers remained tied atop the AL Wild Card standings, with Cleveland close behind.

The A’s are one step closer to solidifying their second consecutive American League West title after putting the final touches on a decisive three-game road sweep of the Rangers on Sunday afternoon. Their 5-1 victory pushed them a season-high 6 1/2 games ahead of Texas, narrowing their magic number to clinch to eight.

Wilson Ramos matched career highs with four hits and five RBIs Sunday to propel the Nationals to an 11-2 win against the Phillies at Nationals Park. Washington moved to 4 1/2 games back for the second NL Wild Card after the Reds’ loss.

An early lead and a strong outing from Bronson Arroyo were spoiled Sunday when the Brewers rallied to beat the Reds, 6-5, and take the three-game weekend series at Miller Park.

A resurgent St. Louis offense erupted for 12 runs and 19 hits as the Cardinals cruised to a 12-2 victory over the Mariners on Sunday, keeping the club tied for first place in the NL Central.

Baltimore, which cut its deficit to 2 1/2 games back of American League Wild Card-leading Tampa Bay, was able to overcome an injury-shortened outing by Miguel Gonzalez in a 3-1 victory in Toronto on Sunday.

After Francisco Liriano set the stage with a near history-making performance, pinch-hitter Justin Morneau delivered an eighth-inning RBI single, lifting the Pirates to a 3-2 victory over the Cubs on Sunday in front of a crowd of 36,559 at PNC Park, the 20th sellout of the season setting a club record.

Max Scherzer sparkled and dazzled all afternoon, but it was Alex Avila who provided the magic, with two home runs, in the Tigers 3-2 win on Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park. The win lowered the Tigers’ magic number to clinch the American League Central to nine.

Burch Smith started the game with five no-hit innings Sunday and Chase Headley hit a two-run home run to lead the Padres to a 4-0 victory over the Braves at Turner Field.