The Yankees had a simple task for their final home game: win and the AL East was theirs. Execution wasn’t so easy, and they fell behind early to the Orioles before failing to mount a sufficient comeback and instead losing 5-3. Baltimore is now confirmed as one of six American League teams playing in the postseason, although that was practically a given before this series. The Yankees just have to try and get revenge and claim the division throne from them, and tonight they have another chance to do so.

Before things really get going in the Bronx, let’s look at what to expect. Jeremy starts with a plea for Aaron Boone to finally close the Alex Verdugo chapter of 2024, and Peter covers the Astros winning the AL West in the Rivalry Roundup. Matt has the latest diary from 1999, Nick Sarnelli looks at the differences between this year’s team and its final postseason trip in 2022, John examines how the Yankees’ third base defense has been so elite in recent years despite constant turnover, and Josh looks at how Juan Soto’s impressive postseason accolades reflect the incredibly high bar he sets during the regular season.

Today’s duel:

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

Time: 7:05 p.m. ET

TV/Video: YES Network, MASN

Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM

Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

Questions/prompts:

1. Will the Orioles have a hangover game after celebrating winning a wild card spot last night?

2. If last night was Clarke Schmidt’s final audition for his postseason role, where would you place him?