What happened: The Tampa Bay Rays dropped their magic number to clinch the American League East to two following a 5-1 final victory over the Boston Red Sox and a New York Yankees defeat. The combination of Sunday results puts Tampa Bay on the verge of a division title.
Why it matters: Securing the AL East crown would lock in a top postseason seed for Tampa Bay. Clinching the title directly against the Yankees in New York would serve as a definitive conclusion to the divisional race.
By the numbers: Tampa Bay improved to 90-59 with the victory, which also leaves the series between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays tied 1-1.
What to watch: The Rays head to the Bronx this week for a four-game series against the Yankees, where a single victory will clinch the division.