New York Yankees Clinch Playoff Spot
September 22, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Feats and Accomplishments, News
New York Yankees Clinch Playoff Spot
Although it wasn’t exactly a shocking development, the New York Yankees officially cemented a spot in the 2009 Major League Baseball playoffs with a victory on Monday. After a 6-5 victory of the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees had an extremely mild celebration and continued on their goal to finish with the best record in baseball.
After starting the season slowly, the Yankees are now 95-56. They have a six-game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. Not only do they have the best record in either league, the Yankees’ run differential of +149 is also best mark.
On Monday, the Yankees got up 5-0 on the Angels, however Los Angeles was able to battle back to tie the game at five. In the top of the ninth, Alex Rodriguez hit a game-winning sac fly that scored Brett Gardner. In the bottom of the ninth, Mariano Rivera finished off the game to pick up his 41st save on the season.
While the Yankees weren’t too overtly thrilled with simply making the playoffs, star first baseman Mark Teixeira said that the team will celebrate more once they clinch the AL East.
“You don’t see any champagne tonight,” said Teixeira, “but hopefully in a couple of days you will.”
Derek Jeter and the Yankees are headed to the playoffs (Image: Zuma Press)
