Justin Verlander pitched just well enough to earn his 200th career win and the Houston Astros hit five home runs, beating the Oakland Athletics 9-4 Sunday to avoid a sweep and retake sole possession of the AL West lead.

Chris Sale celebrated his return by striking out 12 in five shutout innings of one-hit ball, and the Red Sox moved 50 games over .500 by completing a sweep of the Orioles with a 4-1 victory Sunday.

Sale (12-4) was placed on the DL on July 28 with left shoulder inflammation. Judging by his performance, the injury is no longer an issue.