Aaron Hicks delivered a walk-off RBI double in the 11th inning and the Yankees beat the Orioles, 3-2, to clinch a spot in the playoffs. >> Box score

1) In the second inning, Hicks blasted his 26th home run of the season and Luke Voit followed it up with a solo home run of his own to put the Yankees in front, 2-0. The Yankees' offense then went dark for most of the remainder of the game. After the fourth inning, New York did not record another hit until Gregorius' leadoff single in the 11th inning. Hicks' took advantage of rare baserunners and came through with the game-winning hit.

2) The Orioles trimmed that lead in half during the third inning when Breyvic Calera scored on a throwing error by Gary Sanchez. In the fifth, Baltimore's DJ Stewart hit an RBI single to tie the game at 2-2. Yankees starter Lance Lynn ultimately allowed two runs, one earned, on seven hits in five innings. He struck out four batters and walked two.

3) The Yankees used six relievers to string together six scoreless innings. Chad Green, Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances, and Zach Britton, Jonathan Holder and Tommy Kahnle each turned in scoreless frames during extra innings

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees are celebrating a playoff berth after winning their 95th game of the season with eight to play. It's simply amazing that they still have to win games with the Athletics breathing down their necks as they battle for the American League's top wild card slot.

The Yankees have had their hands full with the Orioles all season and this series is no different. One day after the Yankees' offense fought to keep the team in the lead with a 10-run outburst because the bullpen was awful, the bats were stalled by the Orioles until the 11th inning walkoff double by Hicks. The bullpen was the key to the victory today, holding Baltimore to zero runs on five hits while striking out nine in six innings.

While these games shouldn't be this close against the worst team in the game, the Yankees are getting something out of it and that's seeing who can help them in tight games. Considering a tough upcoming schedule after the Orioles' series and the postseason Wild Card game just 11 days away, close games will be commonplace so all of these tests have certain value

Highlights from tonight's game

Round and round they go. pic.twitter.com/B1YO1ypZ8r
- New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2018

What's next

The Yankees wrap up theirseries with the Orioles on Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

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