President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Mohamed Bin Hammam (C) and Qatar Football Federation President Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Thani (R) push a button to activate the Asian Cup 2011 countdown clock during the 100-day countdown celebration in Doha Wednesday. The AFC 2011 Asian Cup will be held in Qatar from Jan. 7 to 29, 2011. - Reuters TORONTO - The New York Yankees clinched their 15th postseason berth in the past 16 years with a 6-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday. New York starter C.C. Sabathia (21-7) allowed one run in 8 1-3 innings to match Andy Pettitte's 21 wins in 1996 and 2003 for the most victories by a Yankee since Ron Guidry got 22 in 1985. Sabathia, who struck out eight, has a career record of 5-1 with a 2.39 ERA in six starts at Rogers Center. The Yankees have reached the postseason every year but one since 1996, with the absence coming in 2008 when they finished third in the AL East, behind Tampa Bay and Boston. New York remains half a game behind the Rays in the fight over the honor of AL East winner. Making his third career start, Toronto's Kyle Drabek (0-3) allowed three runs in six innings. White Sox 5, Red Sox 4: In Chicago, the home team fought back to beat Boston, as the Red Sox bowed out of playoff contention. Paul Konerko tied the game in the eighth inning with a run-scoring double and Dayan Viciedo won it with a pinch-hit RBI single in the ninth. Chris Sale (2-1) pitched two scoreless innings for the win for the White Sox, who snapped a seven-game home losing streak. Juan Pierre singled with one out in the ninth off Michael Bowden (0-1). He stole second and third before Mark Teahen walked. Viciedo ended the game with a single. Royals 10, Twins 1: In Kansas City, Kila Ka'aihue hit two home runs and drove in a career-high four runs as Kansas City thrashed Minnesota. Rays 5, Orioles 0: In St. Petersburg, Florida, Tampa Bay clinched its a playoff berth by beating Baltimore. Angels 4, Athletics 2: In Anaheim, Torii Hunter opened the scoring with a home run and his center field replacement, rookie Peter Bourjos, robbed Landon Powell of a homer to lead Los Angeles over Oakland. Mariners 3, Rangers 1: In Arlington, Felix Hernandez allowed only one run over eight innings to guide Seattle past AL West champion Texas. Braves close in on wild card The Atlanta Braves boosted their National League wild-card hopes with a 3-2 win over Florida Marlins Tuesday. Eric Hinske hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning and Atlanta improved its wild card chances. The Braves' win, coupled with San Diego's loss, gave Atlanta a 1-1/2 game lead in the wild-card race. Elsewhere it was: Reds 3, Astros 2; Nationals 2, Phillies 1; Dodgers 9, Rockies 7; Cubs 5, Padres 2; Giants 4, Diamondbacks 2; Mets 4, Brewers 3; Pirates 7, Cardinals 2.
