Yankees Clinch Postseason Spot As Aaron Judge Homers For First Time Since May

Aaron Judgehit a three-run home run that capped a six-run eighth inning, and theNew York Yankeesbeat theMinnesota Twins8-3 Monday on a night they clinched their 61st postseason berth and ninth in 10 seasons.

Judge had been 3 for 20 with 11 strikeouts since returning last week after missing 84 games because of a fractured rib.Judge hit a cutter fromA.J.Minter415 feet into the second deck in left field for his 18th home run this season, his first since May 24.

His drive came a few minutes before Detroit beat Toronto, clinching a playoff berth for the Yankees.

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New York (87-63) has won six of seven and moved a season-high 24 games over .500.The Yankees are 3 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Tampa Bay (90-59).

Josh Bellhomered offTim Hill(5-2) andEmmanuel Rodriguezhad a two-run triple for the Twins, who have lost eight of 11 while fading from postseason contention.

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Jose Caballerohit a go-ahead homer in the third inning and a single offAndrew Morris(4-8) that tied the score in the eighth.Ben Riceadded a two-run bloop single and, after aCody Bellingerinfield single, Judge elicited a hearty roar from the large contingent of Yankee fans with his no-doubt drive.

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Austin Wellshomered in the ninth.John Schreiberearned his second save with 1 1/3 hitless innings.

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In his second-longest start since being acquired from Baltimore Aug.1, Minnesota’s Dean Kremer allowed two hits and struck out five in 5 2/3 innings.New York starterWill Warrenscattered five hits and struck out six over 5 2-3 innings in his fourth straight strong outing — third start.

Up next

New York LHP Max Fried (4-4, 2.73 ERA) and Minnesota RHP Bailey Ober (7-5, 4.28) start Tuesday.