New York Yankees clinch their first AL East title in seven years

New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks
Aug 3, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Gleyber Torres (25) reacts with center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning of game two of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

With their win over the Los Angeles Angels Thursday night, the New York Yankees are the 2019 champions of the American League East. The Yankees also reached a significant 100 wins.

“We got a lot bigger fish to fry, but this is the first step along the way,” said manager Aaron Boone. “Nothing has got in their way. Whatever has come adversity-wise, they faced it and powered right through it.”

The New York Yankees have been through it all this season and have overcome anything that has tried to set them back.

Masahiro Tanaka was absolutely dominating on the mound going seven full frames allowing one run on four hits while fanning six. Cory Gearrin and Aroldis Chapman came in to end the game giving the Yankees their victory.

DJ LeMahieu started things off with a three-run home run in the second inning. Brett Gardner was the name of the night, going two-for-three with a homer while knocking in two other runs. Cameron Maybin and Clint Frazier joined in on the fun each homering in the eighth inning.

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This was the Yankees’ first AL East title since 2012. The past two seasons they’ve made the playoffs through the Wild Card, finishing second in the standings.

After Wednesday night’s loss, the Yankees wanted to win their way to clinching, not by another team losing. “It was probably actually a good little team building, bonding, one of those times you enjoy being together,” said Boone.

The Yankees will begin their last homestand against the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow at 7:05 PM EST.