Posada's 2-run single gives Yankees AL East crown
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jorge Posada came off the bench and helped the Yankees to yet another first-place finish with a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and New York swept the Tampa Bay Rays by identical 4-2 scores in a day-night doubleheader Wednesday to win the AL East.
Accomplishing most of their regular-season goals with a week to spare, the Yankees earned their 16th playoff berth in 17 seasons by winning the day game behind Robinson Cano's tiebreaking, two-run double in the eighth.
They didn't bother celebrating after that one -- Yankees blase at its best -- but vowed to let loose when they ensured the division crown.
For the Rays, it was a damaging day as they missed a chance to move up on Boston in the AL wild-card race. The Red Sox lost to Baltimore 6-4, but still extended their lead over Tampa Bay to 212 games. The Los Angeles Angels also are 212 games behind.
