They finally won the East, but there’s an even bigger challenge waiting for them in the West.
Escaping what could have been the most dramatic Game 162 since 2011, the Red Sox took care of business on Saturday afternoon, knocking off the Houston Astros, 6-3, in a rainy game that clinched the Sox’ second straight American League East title and locked in another matchup against the Astros in the Division Series.
That will start Thursday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
It’s the Sox’ ninth division title since the East was formed in 1969. And it’s manager John Farrell’s third title with the club, most by any manager in Red Sox history.