Yankees secure AL East title with rout of Orioles, inch closer to top seed

· New York Post

The Yankees’ long (two-day) national (tri-state area) nightmare is over.

After whiffing in their first two chances to secure the division, they have finally won the American League East.

Giancarlo Stanton drove in four runs for the Yankees during their win on Sept. 26. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
Giancarlo Stanton celebrates after hitting a home run during the Yankees’ win on Sept. 26. Charles Wenzelberg

The road back to the top of the division took much longer, following last year’s abysmal fourth-place finish, but the Yankees have officially climbed all the way back to the top of the AL East with a 10-1 win over the Orioles on Thursday night in The Bronx.

In Game 159, with a party-like atmosphere from the 42,022 in attendance, the Yankees (93-66) nailed down the division by extending their lead over the Orioles (88-71) to five games.

Aaron Judge rounds the bases after homering for the Yankees during their Sept. 26 win. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

Doing so ensured their playoff run will begin in the ALDS next Saturday at the Stadium against the winner of a wild-card round series.

Giancarlo Stanton collected two hits for the Yankees during their win on Sept. 26. Charles Wenzelberg
Gerrit Cole tips his hat to fans during the Yankees’ win on Sept. 26. Charles Wenzelberg
Giancarlo Stanton jogs around the bases after hitting a homer during the Yankees’ win on Sept. 26. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

The next box to check off during their final regular-season series against the Pirates this weekend is wrapping up the top seed in the AL for home-field advantage through the ALCS, which they can do with a combination of two wins or Guardians losses.