BOSTON -- The American League East battle ended Friday night. It was probably over before that. And, after Saturday, the time when the Yankees really had a shot felt like eons ago.
Still, the Yankees are ignoring -- at least publicly -- that they're best hope is to reach the AL Wild Card on Oct. 3.
They're not winning the division, especially not after a 4-1 loss to Boston at Fenway Park that dropped them 8 1/2 games back of the Red Sox in the East.
Giancarlo Stanton, who doubled twice Saturday, said the Yankees understand the hole they have dug but can't let themselves think that way.