NEW YORK -- With the Red Sox still shaking off their hangovers from a champagne-soaked, American League East champion celebration, manager Aaron Boone stated the Yankees' new goal:
Secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card Game.
"We want to go out and get that done," Boone said. "This is a special place for us."
The Yankees took the first step toward that Friday night, beating the lowly Orioles, 10-8, at Yankee Stadium before 39,903 fans.
What it means
The Yankees improved their lead for the top Wild Card spot over Oakland to two games, though the A's were set to face the Twins later in the night.