The second of six division titles, and first in the American League, was wrapped up on Friday night in Boston. The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 6-3, winning their 94th game of the 2013 season and clinching the AL East title. The division championship is the first for the Red Sox since 2007, and is actually just their third since the realignment following the 1993 season.
And really, Boston was the team to beat in the division all season. The club hasn't been more than three games out of first place all season, and they haven't been more than a half game back since May 25th, nearly four months ago. The Red Sox also haven't dipped to .500 all year, sustaining a level of play that was missing last year under a dysfunctional team led by Bobby Valentine.
It seems fitting that the BoSox clinched their division at Fenway Park against the Blue Jays, who were not only heavily hyped coming into the year, but were also the former club of current Red Sox manager John Farrell. Friday's outcome was never really in doubt thanks to a brilliant pitching performance from starter Jon Lester, and the Red Sox never trailed after plating a run in the first inning.
Congratulations to the Red Sox. Our eyes now turn to Chicago, where the Braves can clinch the NL East with just one more win. The Tigers reduced their magic number in the AL Central to four with a win against the White Sox, while the A's can cut their magic number to two pending the result of their game with the Twins and the Rangers' game in Kansas City.
