Boston: The first-place Boston Red Sox eased past the Houston Astros 6-3 on Saturday to clinch their second straight East Division title in a battle between two American League heavyweights.
The Red Sox and American League West Division champions Astros will meet in game one of the first round of the play-offs on Thursday in Texas.
This marks the first time since division play began in 1969 that the Red Sox have won back-to-back American League East crowns.
“It’s a good feeling, but at the same time we’ve been in this position before last year,” Boston’s Hanley Ramirez said. “So we’re looking forward to the last one. That’s the biggest one.”
Boston improved to 93-68 on the season as they needed a win at home at Fenway Park or a New York Yankees’ loss on Saturday to clinch.
The second-place Yankees won 2-1 in their Saturday game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Houston, who dropped to 110-61, will finish with the second-best record in Major League Baseball behind the Cleveland Indians.
Boston have now won the AL East in three of manager John Farrell’s five seasons at the helm. He becomes the first manager in club history to guide the team to three division championships.
Mitch Moreland had a pair of RBIs, Mookie Betts hit a solo home run, and Ramirez, Rafael Devers and Andrew Benintendi each drove in one run for the Red Sox.
Benintendi hit his 20th homer of the season Friday, less than 24 hours after he stole third base in a 3-2 loss to the Astros to become only the third Red Sox rookie with a 20 home run, 20 steal season.
He is the youngest left fielder in American baseball to have at least 20 homers and 20 steals in a season since disgraced home run hitter Barry Bonds did it in 1987.
Red Sox starter Drew Pomeranz posted his 17th win of the season as the left-hander struck out three and gave up just two hits and two walks. Pomeranz is tied with teammate Chris Sale for the Red Sox’s team lead in victories.
“This year we won and we’re at home. It’s just a different year,” Boston’s Betts said. “I think we’re just going to enjoy today but get back to work tomorrow.”
Brian McCann belted a solo home run for the Astros, who had their five-game winning streak snapped. The Milwaukee Brewers blew an early six-run lead in a 7-6 loss to St. Louis Cardinals that ended their hopes for a National League wild card spot.
After scoring four times in the third to pull back into contention, the Cardinals delivered the crucial blow with three runs in the bottom of the eighth.
