Scoreboard Watching: Astros and Yankees keep pace

After a quiet Monday, all of the relevant AL teams were back in action again Tuesday. The Yankees have all but locked up their trip to the postseason, and should make it official in the next day or two. However, the fight for home-field advantage continues. Here’s a look at the important games that happened around the league yesterday:

Dodgers defeat Rays 7-5

The Dodgers rallied late to beat Tampa Bay last night. It was very much a bullpen game by both teams, but the home team was able to hold on for the win. That improved the Dodgers’ record to 98-54, giving the Astros and Yankees both a one-game lead.

Astros just keep winning

One of the many annoying things about the Astros is that they won’t stop winning. Justin Verlander did Verlander things and tossed six scoreless innings against the Rangers. Lance Lynn faltered for the other Texas team and surrendered dingers to Alex Bregman, Yuli Gurriel, and Yordan Alvarez.

Twins, Indians both victorious

The Twins and White Sox didn’t play quite as long as the Red Sox and Giants (15 innings), but they did play 12 innings of baseball. In the end, Jose Ruiz loaded the bases, and former Yankee Ronald Torreyes was hit by a pitch to force the winning run in.

Meanwhile, Detroit pitcher Zac Reininger got lit up to the tune of four earned runs across just two innings. The Tigers weren’t ever able to get back into the game, and the Indians won easily. They’re now breathing down Tampa Bay’s neck for the second Wild Card spot.

Matt Olson powers Athletics over Royals

Jorge Lopez pitched well for the Royals, but Brett Anderson was just slightly better. Olson hit a solo shot in the fifth, and a double off the bat of Seth Brown was enough to give Oakland the lead once and for all. The Athletics remain in the top Wild Card spot.

Magic number

Since the Rays lost, the Yankees’ magic number dropped to just one game. They could officially book their trip to the postseason as soon as tonight!