The Boston Red Sox clinched their first American League East title in the last 12 years after managing a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday connecting with the New York Yankees’ defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles

"It's awfully sweet," catcher and Red Sox captain Jason Varitek said.

"That was the most surreal thing ever," Red Sox manager Terry Francona told reporters

Run-scoring hits by Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew gave the Red Sox a 2-0 lead after the first inning. Lowell's third-inning grounder increased it to 3-0, and the scoreboard was showing 4-0 for the Orioles after Kevin Youkilis's sixth-inning single. Minnesota pulled back two points in the seventh inning before Boston's David Ortiz hit a home run in the eighth for the final run.

Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka ended his slump and allowed six hits in eight innings to deliver the Red Sox’s much-awaited victory. Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth inning to gain his 37th save.

Baltimore defeated the New York as Melvin Mora reached on an infield single in the 10th inning that scored Tike Redman. The Yankees ended their streak of nine consecutive divisional titles and gave the Red Sox the often decisive home-field advantage in the postseason.

The Yankees were 9-6 in front at the bottom of the ninth inning, but Baltimore rallied to tie the score on Jay Payton's bases-loaded triple with two outs. Alex Rodriguez his 54th homer of the season for the Yankees and drove in four runs and scored twice. He now has 155 runs batted in this season.

"When you have the Yankees in your division you feel like you have a stalker," said Red Sox GM Theo Epstein.

"It's a great day for our fans."

As the news of the Yankees loss to Baltimore reached the Fenway stadium, the center-field scoreboard displayed the words "CHAMPIONS OF THE AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST", and the fans that remained at the stadium after the home team’s victory to wait for the outcome of the other decisive match, Orioles-Yankees, were properly rewarded.

"It was especially sweet to see the Yankees blow it," said Boston fan Jonathan Sneider.