Stage set for thrilling stretch run in AL East

BOSTON — After the Red Sox came out on the short end of a tense 1-0 decision to the Orioles on Wednesday night, the stage was set for what should be a thrilling stretch run for the American League East.

With 17 games left, Boston still leads the division, but now by just one game over the Birds, who came into Fenway and took two out of three after getting blown out, 12-2, on Monday.

If the Red Sox only had to contend with the Orioles, the race would be exciting enough. Particularly when the clubs square off again next week in Baltimore for a four-game set.

But look at the standings, and you see the Blue Jays just two back despite their recent struggles and the upstart — yes, upstart — Yankees four off the pace as they come to Boston for the next four days.

Wednesday’s game was a thriller — the type the Red Sox will probably play a lot of down the stretch.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said 20-game winner Rick Porcello, who was marvelous in defeat on Wednesday. “This is what you train for, this is what you play for: to …

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