NY Yanks host Twins as playoffs under way

The New York Yankees will host the Minnesota Twins in the American League’s wild card elimination game on Tuesday as Major League Baseball’s post-season gets underway.

The winner of the single game knockout will face the AL Central champion Cleveland Indians in the AL Division Series starting on Thursday. The Indians finished with the best record (102-60) in the AL this season, courtesy of a league-record 22 successive victories from Aug. 24 - Sept. 14.

The AL West champion Houston Astros, who finished 101-61, host the AL East champion Boston Red Sox (9369), with their ALDS also beginning on Thursday.

The Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks will meet in the National League’s wild card playoff on Wednesday, with the winner to face the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers from Friday.

The Dodgers finished with the best record in the majors (104-58) courtesy of a strong first part of the season, when they were 61-29 by the All Star break, and would have home field advantage for the World Series if they make that far. The NL East Champion Washington Nationals host the NL Central Champion Chicago Cubs in the other NLDS series beginning on Friday.

Meanwhile, in Sunday’s results, Giancarlo Stanton had two hits and one RBI, but failed to hit his 60th home run as his Miami Marlins lost to the Atlanta Braves, 8-5.

Stanton singled twice, struck out twice out and grounded to shortstop.

Jay Bruce drove in two runs and Jose Ramirez had two hits, including his major league-leading 56th double, as Cleveland beat Chicago, 3-1.

Indians starter Josh Tomlin (10-9) and six relievers combined on a fourhitter. Tomlin allowed one run on four hits with six strikeouts and no walks in 5 1/3 innings to get the win.