The playoff picture became a little clearer after Saturday’s contests, especially in the National League, as the Reds were crowned NL Central champions in Cincinnati after a 6-0 win over the Dodgers and the Giants joined them as champs later in the night, beating the Padres, 8-4, for their sixth straight win to clinch the NL West.

Spain romped past South Africa and into the World Baseball Classic qualifying-round final against Israel with a 13-3 victory at Roger Dean Stadium on Saturday night.

Spain romped past South Africa and into the World Baseball Classic qualifying-round final against Israel with a 13-3 victory at Roger Dean Stadium on Saturday night.

As the fall temperatures begin to cool, it appears the D-backs’ bats are heating up.

As the fall temperatures begin to cool, it appears the D-backs’ bats are heating up.

Like a sprinter busting through the tape, the Giants locked up the National League West title with a sixth consecutive victory, punching their ticket to the postseason with Saturday night’s 8-4 victory over the Padres at AT&T Park.

Like a sprinter busting through the tape, the Giants locked up the National League West title with a sixth consecutive victory, punching their ticket to the postseason with Saturday night’s 8-4 victory over the Padres at AT&T Park.

Second baseman Dustin Ackley remained out of the Mariners lineup on Saturday as manager Eric Wedge gave his sore neck another day to recover.

Second baseman Dustin Ackley remained out of the Mariners lineup on Saturday as manager Eric Wedge gave his sore neck another day to recover.

Robin Ventura was ejected in the fourth inning on Saturday night for arguing a balk call, the fourth ejection of the season for the White Sox manager.

Robin Ventura was ejected in the fourth inning on Saturday night for arguing a balk call, the fourth ejection of the season for the White Sox manager.

The unknown source of Adrian Beltre’s stomach discomfort is believed to be the result of a buildup of scar tissue from an appendix surgery 12 years ago and it may require surgery after the season.

The unknown source of Adrian Beltre’s stomach discomfort is believed to be the result of a buildup of scar tissue from an appendix surgery 12 years ago and it may require surgery after the season.

Here’s hoping the next Kevin McClatchy, who came out in a New York Times article on Saturday, doesn’t have to live in fear, in anger or in secrecy.

Here’s hoping the next Kevin McClatchy, who came out in a New York Times article on Saturday, doesn’t have to live in fear, in anger or in secrecy.

The Rangers squandered plenty of chances to back yet another shut-down effort by Matt Harrison against the Mariners as Texas fell, 1-0, on Saturday night.

The Rangers squandered plenty of chances to back yet another shut-down effort by Matt Harrison against the Mariners as Texas fell, 1-0, on Saturday night.