Red Sox can turn their sights on Tampa Bay

Jim Monaghan
Content Coordinator

Mathematically, the Yankees may still have a chance, but after dropping three of four to the Red Sox this weekend, two in excruciating fashion, make no mistake about it.

The Yankees are now playing for the second Wild Card playoff spot.
Photo courtesy of the Associated Press 

The Red Sox were being no-hit through seven innings by Domingo German, and New York had a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth when Alex Verdugo (pictured) led off the inning with a double.

With 31 come-from-behind wins already in 2021 (that leads MLB), the Red Sox know better than to think any game is over until the 27th out. In fact, Boston closer Matt Barnes got up and started to stretch in the bullpen.

Following a pitching change, Hunter Renfroe doubled off of Jonathan Loaisiga, Christian Vazquez and Franchy Cordero singled, and Kike Hernandez doubled.

With the score now 4-3, Aaron Boone went to Zach Britton who allowed an RBI ground out to Kevin Plawecki and a sacrifice fly to Xander Bogaerts and just like that, the Red Sox had a 5-4 lead.

Matt Barnes allowed a hit, but closed out his 21st save of the season by getting Rougned Odor to pop to third.

Boston has a one-game lead over Tampa Bay, with 13 games remaining against the division rival, including three next weekend.

Toronto still looms as an offensive threat, but it's the Rays who pose the biggest threat to the Red Sox hold on the AL East divisional lead over Boston's final 62 games of the season.

Of note, at 61-39, if the Red Sox only play .500 the rest of the way, they will win 92 games.

Click here to find more by Jim Monaghan on Red Sox Life. Follow him on twitter - @Monaghan21.