Yankees clinch AL East for first time since 2012

The resilient New York Yankees powered their way to the club's first American League East title since 2012, routing the Los Angeles Angels 9-1 on Thursday night behind three RBIs each from old mainstay Brett Gardner and newcomer DJ LeMahieu.

A day after wasting a chance to clinch first place, the homer-happy Yankees went ahead when LeMahieu hit a three-run drive in the second inning and breezed to their 100th win. The Yankees open the playoffs on Oct. 4, likely against the Minnesota Twins, which lead the AL Central, or the wild-card winner.

New York's 19th AL East title was its first following a run of 13 in 17 years that started in Derek Jeter's rookie season. The Yankees, led by young stars Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Gleyber Torres, will be making their 21st postseason appearance in 25 years and 55th overall -- 22 more than any other team.

And they will head to October following their 21st 100-win season, their first in back-to-back years since 2002-04.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27654858/yankees-clinch-al-east-first-2012