The Boston Red Sox clinched their third straight American League East title with a win over the rival New York Yankees in the Bronx on Thursday night.

Mookie Betts had four hits and five RBI as the Red Sox avoided a sweep and won 11-6.

"Winning a division isn't easy," J.D. Martinez said. "It's tough to do. This all started in spring training with the mindset we had right off the bat. The goal here is to win. We're obviously not done. But it's the first step, and we're proud of it."

The Red Sox are expected to face either the Yankees or Oakland Athletics in the ALDS.