What's Happening?
Aaron Judge bolstered his MVP candidacy by hitting his 53rd home run and driving in three runs, leading the New York Yankees to a 6-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. This win marks the Yankees' seventh consecutive victory, keeping them tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East lead. However, the Blue Jays hold the tiebreaker advantage, meaning the Yankees must finish a game ahead to secure the division title. The Yankees' playoff fate will be determined on the final day of the regular season, with a potential division title or wild card spot at stake.
Why It's Important?
The Yankees' pursuit of the AL East title is critical as it would grant them a bye into the ALDS, providing a strategic advantage in the playoffs. Aaron Judge's performance has been pivotal in the Yankees' recent success, and his potential MVP win would be a significant achievement. The Yankees' ability to secure the division title depends on their performance in the final game and the outcome of the Blue Jays' game. This situation highlights the competitive nature of the division and the importance of every game in the regular season.
What's Next?
The Yankees will face the Orioles in their final regular season game, while the Blue Jays play the Rays. The Yankees need to win and hope for a Blue Jays loss to clinch the division title. If the Yankees finish tied with the Blue Jays, they will enter the playoffs as a wild card team, starting their postseason earlier than if they win the division.
