The final push for the AL East crown is underway, and the Red Sox are serving notice that they will be a force making things a bit uncomfortable for the division leading Yankees. Boston has won all four series in this final month of a Late 70s dream season that began back on MLB 14. I started this season a little over a year and a half ago. Between the pace of life and spending 3+ months creating classic rosters for MLB 16 along with bringing this season to the new title, there have certainly been gaps of inactivity, but I pledged to finish this season. Now, I can almost smell the finish line as well as top spot in the division. Avoiding a one game winner take all in a wildcard scenario is my mission, and things are taking shape.
Baltimore had also been in the running for the AL East title for much of the season but are now fading thanks in part to the Red Sox taking care of business, snaring 2 of 3 from the O's at Fenway. After winning the opener, Baltimore fell 7-6 and 4-2 which pushed Boston's record to 9-3 in September. Included in the those nine wins was a seven game unbeaten streak that saw the Red Sox sweep a three game series from New York in the Bronx. Below are the highlights of the Sawx past two wins against the Orioles.
Boston now hits the road for the final time in a 10 game swing through Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. In their first stop against the Royals, they will take on a team battling for their playoff lives. Kansas City are locked in a first place tie with the White Sox and with the Orioles and Red Sox running away with the wildcard spots, taking the Central Division crown would be a must to ensure playoff baseball for either of these teams.
In the National League, the Dodgers have the NL West sewn up. The Reds also have a firm grasp on top spot in the NL Central, but the playoff version of musical chairs continues in the NL East between the Expos, Phillies and Mets. With the Brewers imposing their will in the wildcard dance, one of these 4 teams will be left holding the bag when the music ends after the regular season schedule is completed.
After the road trip, Boston will end the season with a 6 game homestand facing the lowly Rays and then will play a huge three game set that may have an enormous impact on the playoff picture as the Yankees visit for the final series of the regular season.
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