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Although the New York Yankees have gained some separation from the American League wild card race, three other teams remain close following a thrilling Thursday night of baseball.
The Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 6-2 to win, while the Boston Red Sox lost 6-2 to the last-place Baltimore Orioles. The Seattle Mariners were the big winners, despite not playing.
New York holds a lead of two games over the competition, with three games left. Boston and Seattle are tied in second place. Toronto is still one game away from the playoff position.
Early in the night, the Blue Jays appeared to be in good shape with a 2-1 lead. Cy Young contender Robbie Ray was on the mound. This was until the sixth inning, when he was thrown out by the Blue Jays and the outcome of the postseason race was changed.
To take control of the game, the Yankees scored three runs in a four-run inning.
Aaron Judge scored a run in the middle of the run to continue an impressive outfield game.
The Yankees bullpen was able to seal the win with the help of four pitchers who combined for 4.1 scoreless innings and allowed only three hits.
New York has won five of six of the last six games, putting them on the verge of reaching the postseason.
The Orioles won against the Red Sox in the other big game.
Ryan Mountcastle scored the big hit, scoring three runs to take the lead in the 3rd inning.
Tyler Nevin, a rookie, extended Baltimore's lead with a two RBI single in the sixth.
The Red Sox offense could not keep up with Alexander Wells's pace, scoring only one run in six innings. He entered the day with a 7.61 ERA, but had his best start against Boston.
The Red Sox suffered their fifth loss in five games, putting them in an extremely dangerous position in the standings. With a series against the Washington Nationals on the road, the squad will need to turn the tide. While traveling to Los Angeles Angels, the Mariners will try to keep up with their opponents.
The Yankees will finish their season at home against Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series. They could be assured a playoff spot by Friday. The Blue Jays are the most likely to win against the Orioles at home, but the last-place team has proven it can be a spoiler.
