The New York Yankees are officially playoff-bound after centerfielder Aaron Hicks knocked in Didi Gregorius in walk-off fashion.
- New York Yankees 3 (95-59)
- Baltimore Orioles 2 (44-110)
- AL East, Final, 11 Innings, Box Score
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
With one clutch Aaron Hicks swing of the bat, the New York Yankees earned the right to celebrate into the chilly Bronx Saturday night.
The Bronx Bombers have clinched an AL Wild Card berth in the 2018 MLB Postseason. Only a remarkable Boston Red Sox season stands in the way of a potential AL East crown under the leadership of rookie manager Aaron Boone.
With one out in the bottom of the 11th, Hicks doubled to knock in Didi Gregorius while simultaneously clinching the celebration.
Big Hero Hicks. pic.twitter.com/d2ysANblbL
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 23, 2018
In addition to the hero shot, Hicks smacked his 26th home run of the season in the second inning off Orioles starter David Hess. It was of the solo variety to open the scoring on the night.
Round and round they go. pic.twitter.com/B1YO1ypZ8r
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2018
Hicks finished 2-for-5 with a run and two ribbies.
Miguel Andujar chipped in with a two-hit night of his own while surging Luke Voit tallied his 11th home run of the season just two batters after Hicks in that second inning.
Veteran Lance Lynn started for New York and surrendered just two runs on seven hits in five innings. The final six innings of the night were orchestrated by a brilliant bullpen performance. Tommy Kahnle registered the win after pitching a one-hit top of the 11th.
Ironically, the Oakland Athletics also came out on top on Saturday night by the final of 3-2 (over the Minnesota Twins). With both teams winning, New York’s lead for home-field advantage in the AL Wild Card Game remains at 1.5.
Game two against the Orioles at The Stadium comes your way on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 1:05 p.m. ET.
Clinched and drenched. pic.twitter.com/hjKmzFiuQe
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 23, 2018
CELEBRATE! pic.twitter.com/kevCu2pbiY
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 23, 2018