Boston, MA (Sports Network) – Jed Lowrie hit two home runs and knocked in three as the Red Sox handed the Yankees an 8-4 loss on the final day of the season to deny New York a chance at a second straight American League East title.
J.D. Drew added a two-run homer and John Lackey (14-11) matched a season high with 10 strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and three runs — two earned.
While Boston (89-73) is sitting out postseason play for the first time since 2006, it cost rival New York (95-67) a shot at wrapping up homefield advantage throughout the AL playoffs, as the Yankees needed a win and a Tampa Bay loss Sunday to do so.
The two teams came into the final day of the regular season with identical records but the Rays won out for the division by way of a 10-8 advantage in the head-to-head series, saddling the Yanks with wild card status.
The Yankees will be on the road to start the ALDS, traveling to Minnesota to take on the AL Central-champion Twins with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday.
Nick Swisher homered and Derek Jeter picked up two hits with an RBI in the loss. Dustin Moseley (4-4) started and went five innings, surrendering five hits and four runs.