After a one-year hiatus, the Yankees are back in the post-season:
ANAHEIM, Calif. — It was a subdued celebration for the Yankees on Tuesday night, no souvenir caps or Champagne showers for becoming the first team in the majors to clinch a spot in the playoffs. They have a six-game lead in the American League East with 10 to play, and for the regular season, that title is the goal.
But the Yankees are in now, for sure, grabbing a postseason berth after a one-year hiatus. It became official when Oakland beat Texas some 400 miles away from Angel Stadium, just as the Yankees were bungling a five-run lead against the Los Angeles Angels.
They recovered in the ninth inning for a 6-5 victory, making for a thoroughly satisfying night. There is more work to do before the playoffs, but the Yankees know that this season, no matter what, will be better than last.
“It’s almost like when you were a kid, and your parents don’t let you go outside to play, and you’re watching everybody outside your window because you’re in trouble — that’s what it felt like,” Derek Jeter said. “Now, it’s like you’re off punishment and you can go back out there.”
For the division series, the Yankees are on track to meet the Detroit Tigers, who lead the Minnesota Twins by two and a half games in the American League Central. The Angels, who lead the West, would play the Yankees’ nemesis, the Boston Red Sox, who lead the wild-card race.
Bring on October !
