Soderstrom, Gelof Power A's Past Cubs to Clinch NL Central Crown for Brewers

Soderstrom Blasts Two Homers, Gelof Drives in Three

Newly acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz set the tone for the Oakland A's early with an RBI single in the first inning, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The A's extended their lead to 4-0 with a three-run third inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Seth Brown.

The Chicago Cubs responded with a three-run fourth inning, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Patrick Wisdom brought home two with a double, and Nico Hoerner followed with an RBI single.

Brewers Clinch NL Central Title with Brewers' Loss

Meanwhile, 1,400 miles away in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched the NL Central title with a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brewers' victory, combined with the A's win over the Cubs, eliminated the Cubs from contention.

The Brewers' victory was their 95th of the season, their most since winning 96 games in 2011. Corbin Burnes pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out 10 batters.

Soderstrom, Gelof Lead A's to Victory

Back in Chicago, the A's regained control of the game in the fifth inning. Shea Langeliers led off with a walk, and one out later, Nick Allen singled. Soderstrom then stepped to the plate and launched a towering home run to left field, giving the A's a 7-3 lead.

Gelof added an insurance run in the eighth inning with a solo home run, his 14th of the season. Kirby Snead pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure the victory for the A's.

The A's improved to 61-91 with the win, while the Cubs fell to 73-80. The A's will wrap up their season with a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins, while the Cubs will host the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game set.