Sanchez keeping Yankees’ playoff hopes alive

ST. PETERSBURG — The Yankees limped out of Fenway Park late Sunday night, stunned in four games by the streaking Red Sox, and with three of their key players hurt.

Just five days before, the Yankees were the talk of American League East, suddenly in the mix for an AL Wild Card berth after being completely written off for 2016. Powered by rookie sensation Gary Sanchez, they’d won eight of 11 games, including seven in a row from Sept 4-10. Orioles skipper Buck Showalter said New York had become the most dreaded team in the division this month.

And then came the Boston debacle and a five-game losing streak. Last rites for a trip to the postseason were said loudly. New York, normally an October fixture, has played in just one postseason game the past four seasons. The hated first-place Red Sox, with their dramatic and convincing wins, seemingly ruined any hope for 2016.

The Yanks’ chances are still slim — hanging by a thread.

When asked if they need a miracle, veteran first baseman Mark Teixeira, who’s retiring after the season, said: “That would help. I’ll pray if you do.”

But if Sanchez, who’s burst on the Major League scene in record-breaking fashion, continues his assault on opposing pitchers, miracles could happen.

“I don’t think any of us are ready to give up on the season,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who’s arguably done his finest job in nine seasons at the helm in New York. “Staying relevant in September is the most important thing to give ourselves a chance.”

After the 23-year-old Sanchez blasted three homers in two games, leading his teammates to back-to-back victories over last-place Tampa Bay, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. When GM Brian Cashman dealt away the likes of Carlos Beltran, Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Ivan Nova at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, the message was preparing for the future, not 2016. But the young player have responded and given the Yankees a chance.

“Gary Sanchez wouldn’t have gotten up here [from the Minor Leagues] if we didn’t make the moves that we made,” said Cashman.

The Yankees remain 2 1/2 games back for the second AL Wild Card berth, but the hurdle is immense. To get there, they must keep winning and …

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