Jacoby Ellsbury’s home run just before midnight last night might have saved the Red Sox’ season.
The blast gave Boston a 7-4 win over the Yankees, splitting a day-night doubleheader and keeping the Sox’ one-game lead over the Rays in the wild card intact.
Boston and Tampa Bay both have three games remaining in the regular season. The Sox’ magic number to clinch the playoff spot is three, meaning that if they sweep the Orioles this week, they’re in — regardless of what happens between the Rays and Yankees. But if the Sox win two of three and the Rays sweep, a one-game playoff is in order. If the Rays were to win two more games than the Sox in the final series, Tampa would pass Boston in the standings.
