SEATTLE-. A year ago, the New York Yankees were left out of the race for the playoffs with one week left in the regular season. They saw a streak of six consecutive appearances in the postseason.
Recalling that feeling made it even sweeter for the Yankees to secure a spot in the playoffs on Wednesday, again a week before the season ends.
“A lot of things have come together. We’ve probably been healthier overall,” manager Aaron Boone said. “There’s definitely been a greater focus on guys coming off tough years. Simply put, we’re better. We weren’t a great team last year, and this year the team has a chance to do something special.”
After spending last year sitting at home when the postseason rolled around, the Yankees earned their spot this time around, beating the Seattle Mariners 2-1 in 10 innings Wednesday.
Anthony Rizzo hit a tiebreaking double in the 10th inning and drove in both of New York’s runs.
Rizzo lined a shot off the first pitch of the inning from reliever Collin Snider (3-4) down the right-field line to drive in automatic runner Jasson Dominguez from second base.
Cuban Nestor Cortes, who whitewashed the Mariners for six innings, said the Yankees have sought to use last season’s pain as motivation to win in October.
“Last year we missed the playoffs. It was a bitter feeling,” said Cortés, as the Yankees showered themselves with beer and champagne during a jubilant celebration in the clubhouse.
“When we came to spring training we had one goal, which was to make the playoffs, and here we are. Obviously, the ultimate goal of any team is to get to the World Series and win it. But for now we are going to enjoy this moment.”
This is the franchise’s 59th playoff appearance. It will be its 25th trip to the postseason in the past 30 years.
The Yankees, who are assured of at least a wild-card berth in the American League, have advanced to the playoffs six times in Aaron Boone’s seven seasons as manager.
New York, the first team to clinch a playoff berth this year in the American League, extended its lead over second-place Baltimore in the East to five games with 10 games remaining.
The Yankees managed just two hits off starter Bryce Miller but scored two RBIs off Rizzo, who gave them the early lead with a second-inning single for his first RBI since Sept. 2.
Ian Hamilton pitched the 10th inning for his third career save and first this year. Luke Weaver (6-3) struck out four in 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the win.
For the Yankees, Venezuelan Gleyber Torres went 0-for-5. Dominicans Juan Soto went 1-for-2, Dominguez went 0-for-3 with two runs scored. Mexican Alex Verdugo went 0-for-4.
For the Mariners, Dominicans Julio Rodriguez 0-for-4, Jorge Polanco 0-for-4. Mexican Randy Arozarena 0-for-4.
