Alejandro Kirk hits massive blast to put Toronto one step closer to AL's top seed

Rodney Knuppel

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Alejandro Kirk hits massive blast to put Toronto one step closer to AL's top seed image

The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees started Sunday at the top of the American League East standings. Both teams started the game at 93-68. The Blue Jays needed a win to seal the top seed, while New York needed a win and a Toronto loss.

Alejandro Kirk made sure to get the Blue Jays off to a quick start and put no doubt on the top seed. The catcher smacked his 14th home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning, which was a grand slam to put the Blue Jays ahead 5-1 in the first inning.

Kevin Gausman got the start for Toronto and allowed a single run in the first inning, but the 34-year-old is looking to finish strong and wrap up the season with a .500 record, as he started the game at 10-11.

Meanwhile, the Yankees took an early lead over the Baltimore Orioles making both games with dramatic moments early on.

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If the Blue Jays can hold on and win the game, they will avoid playing on Tuesday in the wildcard round of the American League playoffs. Whoever does not win the division will play on Tuesday against the No. 5 seed, which is still yet to be decided between Cleveland, Detroit and the Boston Red Sox.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.