With their 5-4 victory over the Cleveland Indians Tuesday night, the Boston Red Sox did two things. One, they clinched a playoff spot in the American League. And perhaps more importantly in some BoSox fans’ eyes, they eliminated the New York Yankees from postseason play.
Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run dinger off of Cleveland starter Cliff Lee and also reached base three times on walks. Youkilis currently ranks fourth in the AL in RBI with 111.
Though the Red Sox are still in contention for the American League East title, their most likely entry into the playoffs will be as the Wild Card winner, which would earn them a AL Division Series matchup with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, a best-of-five set that would start in Anaheim on Oct. 1 or 2.
The AL will produce some great postseason matchups this year. The Rays, Angels and Red Sox all bring something a little different to the table and whichever team comes out of the AL Central (Twins or White Sox) will likely play an underdog role.
