For the 16th time in 17 seasons, the New York Yankees are heading back to the post season.  They beat the Tampa Bay Rays today 4-2 in game one of a double header.

loading...

The Yankees struck early when Alex Rodriguez doubled to center field which sent Derek Jeter across the plate.  The Rays would answer back in the third with a 2 run homer by Desmond Jennings, and they would carry that one run lead into the 8th inning.  It looked like the Yankees might come up short but a late rally helped them prevail.

In the 8th inning Eduardo Nunez got things going with a solo homer to tie things up.  From there the rest of the Yankee lineup would do their part to get on base and get across home plate.  Robinson Cano  would hit a double which scored both Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter.  After that is was the Yankee bullpens turn to hold onto that lead, and they did just that.  Mariano Rivera would pick up his 44th save and now the Yankees get ready for game 2 of the day against Tampa Bay.

That win gives the Yankees a guaranteed playoff berth.  It ensures that the Rays will not win the AL East and the Yankees will either do that or take the AL Wild Card. The loss also now puts Tampa Bay 2.5 games behind Boston for the Wild Card.

The Yankees take on the Rays tonight at 7pm with CC Sabathia on the mound. Boston once again faces Baltimore and is looking to get back on track.

More From 104.5 THE TEAM