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Playoff Push: Yanks gain game on Rays; leapfrog O’s in chase for Wild Card

Ivan Nova draws the Yankees within 3.5 games of the Rays. (Photo by Ron Antonelli/ New York Daily News)

September is upon us and the Yankees find themselves a few games off the pace in the Wild Card race, but fret not Yankee fans, the Yankees’ schedule in September is one of the easiest amongst the contenders, as 12 of their 27 remaining games are against teams currently residing in last place. The other 15 games are spread out against the Orioles, Rays, and Red Sox.

Yesterday, Ivan Nova threw his first career complete game shutout in a pivotal game against the Orioles, which catapulted the Yankees past the O’s in the standings for the first time since July 6th. And with the A’s and the Rays playing each other, another win Sunday would mean another game gained on someone ahead of them. Here are how the teams in contention fared yesterday:

A’s – 2-1 win vs Rays. Coco Crisp drives in both runs for A’s in crucial win.

Rays – 2-1 loss vs A’s. Alex Cobb pitches complete game for Rays in loss.

Yankees -2-0 win vs Orioles. Nova throws complete game shutout.

Orioles – 2-0 Loss vs Yankees. Bats stymied by Ivan Nova.

Indians – 10-5 Loss vs Tigers. Omar Infante leads the way for the Tigers with 2 home runs.

Royals – 4-2 Loss vs Royals. R.A. Dickey goes 8 strong innings to silence Royal bats.

 

Wild Card Standings

WC 1 A’s 77-58 —

WC 2 Rays 75-59 —

3 Yankees 72-63 3.5 GB

4 Orioles 71-63 4 GB

5 Indians 71-64 4.5 GB

6 Royals 69-66 6.5 GB