What will eliminate the Yankees from the playoffs was evident Tuesday night.
They managed one hit in 10 at-bats with men on base and gifted the Red Sox their two runs. This is not the template to 12 October wins. Yet delve into the 3-2 victory and you know what emerges — a blueprint for how the Yanks could eliminate Boston in the playoffs.
There are steps to go before Oct. 5, Fenway Park, Division Series Game 1. The Yanks have to win a wild-card game, probably against the A’s, though the Rays lurk like a horror-movie villain who will not die.