James’ strong start puts Astros closer to clinch

Hard-throwing rookie right-hander Josh James held the Mariners scoreless for 5 1/3 innings Tuesday, striking out seven batters and allowing four hits and two walks, to pick up his first Major League victory in the Astros’ 7-0 win over the Mariners at Minute Maid Park. The Astros began the day with a four-game lead over the second-place A’s in the American League West. The win reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff spot to two and to clinch the division to eight.