Astros sweep Angels, pull away from A’s

MANILA, Philippines — Yuli Gurriel and Evan Gattis recorded multi-hit, multi-RBI games while rookie Framber Valdez delivered a strong pitching performance in a pinch as the Houston Astros capped a three-game series sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Angels with a 6-2 win on Sunday.

The Astros sliced their magic number to claim the American League West to three. Houston holds a 4 1/2-game lead on the second-place Oakland Athletics.

Gurriel finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs. He belted his third home run of the series and 13th on the season in the first inning against Tyler Skaggs (8-9), a two-run shot. Gattis went 3-for-3 with two RBIs.

Valdez (4-1) delivered in what amounted to an emergency start, allowing a run on three hits in six innings. He replaced Charlie Morton, who left after one inning due to shoulder discomfort.

Elsewhere, Minnesota denied Oakland a chance to clinch a playoff spot on its home field, riding the strong pitching of Kyle Gibson and a two-run home run from Jake Cave to a 5-1 victory.