As the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 8-5 on Saturday, the team took their 100th win of 2018 and joined Boston and the Houston Astros to become the third team with 100 victories in one season and, more importantly, they are all from the American League, which is the first time in MLB history.
Of the three, Boston reached the century mark first on September 12 after they took down the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0, which is also their first time since 1946. Then on Tuesday, Houston beat, again, Toronto, 5-3 to take their 100th victory.
Screenshot of MLB's Twitter
Considering that all three teams are in the American League and only one of them can enter the World Series, confrontation between two 100-win teams seems unavoidable in the postseason, which will be something to watch.
If the Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild Card Game on October 3, they will face the Red Sox in the AL Division Series. Meanwhile, as the defending world champion, if the Astros defeat the Cleveland Indians in the Division Series, they will play against one of the rest 100-win teams.
The Boston Red Sox win over 100 games for the first time since 1946. /VCG Photo
In MLB history, there were six times when three teams reached 100 wins before they finished the season, as listed in the following. However, it is the first time for three teams from the same league to achieve the honor.
In 2017, the Los Angeles Dodgers (National League), the Indians (AL) and the Astros (AL) all won over 100 games.
In 2003, the Atlanta Braves (NL), the San Francisco Giants (NL) and the Yankees (AL) won over 100 games.
In 2002, the Yankees (AL), the Athletics (AL) and the Braves (NL) all took more than 100 wins.
In 1998, the Yankees (AL), the Braves (NL) and the Astros (AL) all achieved over 100 victories.
In 1977, the Kansas City Royals (AL), the Philadelphia Phillies (NL) and the Yankees (AL) won more than 100 games.
In 1942, the St. Louis Cardinals (NL), the Dodgers (NL) and the Yankees (AL) reached the century mark.