Blue Jays AL East Recap: Jays fall further in shrinking playoff race

Consolidated power
Boston Red Sox: 85-64

The Boston Red Sox are now in sole possession of the AL East after a stellar 5-2 week. Things looked grim early on, though, as the Baltimore Orioles were able to take a series win and close the gap.

The Red Sox responded by walking all over the Yankees in a four-game sweep to end the week. Boston now has a comfy 3.0 game lead at first going down the home stretch. They entered the week one of four teams in legitimate contention for the crown, but after dispatching the Yankees, it appears as if they have narrowed the race to three. Hanley Ramirez provided much of the offence for the Sox this week, including a two-homer night on Sunday.

The Red Sox face Baltimore to start the week for another four game stretch, and they’ll look to keep up the success they have generally had against them all year.

Rick Porcello will be eyeing an MLB best 21 wins as the Red Sox have the chance to eliminate another contender. Boston then faces Tampa Bay to end the week, a task that has proved harder than it looks.

Final Takeaway:

Where their rivals have failed, they have succeeded. The Red Sox seem positioned to ride out the next two weeks and end the season as division champions. If they can get through this four game set with Baltimore, their victory seems assured.