Can you think of a better way to start the MLB playoffs than a matchup between the rival Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees?
The American League wild-card race came down to the wire, and the Red Sox and Yankees finished with identical 92-70 records — one game ahead of another AL East team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
There were some bumps along the way, but the Red Sox finished well over their preseason win total projection of just 80.5 games. When the season began, the Red Sox were considered relative longshots to make the playoffs at all.