NEW YORK — The New York Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox 5-3 on Thursday night at Yankee Stadium, finishing a three-game sweep and staying tied with the Toronto Blue Jays atop the AL East. Both teams are 91-68 with three games left in the regular season.
Toronto also won, defeating Boston, to keep the race even as the season heads into the final weekend. Division hopes remain alive for both clubs with little margin for error.
Giancarlo Stanton hit a three-run double that proved decisive, carrying New York to another win in a pivotal week.
Stanton delivers clutch hit when Yankees’ stakes highest
The game shifted in the fifth inning with the Yankees down 3-1. They loaded the bases with one out. Stanton grounded a ball hard past third baseman Curtis Mead off reliever Tyler Gilbert (4-2). Mead missed the backhand play, and three runs scored to give New York a 4-3 lead.
“The bye is always good,” Stanton said. “You’ve got guys that are beat up, that need a rest, a little mental break before how heavy those games can get. It’s ideal.”
The Yankees have won five straight and eight of nine. Even if they fall short of the division, they are locked into home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series. The team is 23 games over .500, showing strong late-season form.
Blue Jays hold crucial advantage despite tight race
New York’s surge has tightened the race, but Toronto holds the edge. The Blue Jays won the season series 8-5, giving them the tiebreaker if the teams finish with the same record.
That advantage could decide the division. Toronto’s position means it controls the outcome, while New York must keep winning and hope for help.
Rodón reaches milestone in crucial victory
Carlos Rodón (18-9) worked six innings for his career-high 18th win. He also passed 200 strikeouts in a season for the second time.
Rodón limited damage after giving up a two-run homer to Michael A. Taylor in the fourth. His effort kept New York close until Stanton’s hit flipped the game.
The bullpen closed the door. Luke Weaver and Devin Williams threw scoreless innings before David Bednar recorded his 26th save in 29 chances with a clean ninth.
Defensive plays prove crucial in tight contest
New York’s defense held late. In the eighth inning, with two on, Cody Bellinger made a running catch in left-center to end the threat.
Taylor’s homer had put the White Sox ahead earlier, but Chicago could not add on. Defensive miscues cost the White Sox as the Yankees executed in key moments.
Final weekend showdowns will determine division champion
New York closes against the last-place Orioles at home. Toronto hosts the Rays, who are still battling for playoff seeding.
The Yankees may benefit from facing a team already eliminated. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, must deal with a tougher opponent.
The current AL playoff picture lists division leaders as Toronto, Seattle and Cleveland, with the Yankees, Boston and Detroit in Wild Card spots. Every game matters as teams fight for seeding.
History awaits in the Bronx
The Yankees will play postseason baseball at home regardless of the division race. Their late push has given fans hope for the first AL East title since 2019.
Both New York and Toronto have the league’s best record at 91-68. That has created one of the tightest finishes in years.
The Yankees’ five-game winning streak has shifted them from Wild Card security to possible division champions. Toronto, with the tiebreaker, carries pressure into the weekend.
The division will be decided in the final three games, with neither team showing signs of backing away.
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