Cano powers Yankees to AL East title in 14-2 rout

By HOWIE RUMBERG, Associated Press

Oct 3, 2012 9:41 PM CDT

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Cano powers Yankees to AL East title in 14-2 rout — New York Yankees' Robinson Cano (24) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game as Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Clayton Mortensen, right, looks away, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Associated Press)

Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson each hit a pair of homers, powering the New York Yankees past the Boston Red Sox 14-2 on a raucous Wednesday night in the Bronx for their 13th AL East title in 17 years.

In front of fans poised to party from the first pitch, the Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the last-place Red Sox to win their second consecutive division crown. The championship was locked up by the seventh inning, when Baltimore's 4-1 loss at Tampa bay went final.

Cano tied a career high with six RBIs as New York secured home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs. The Yankees will open on the road Sunday against the winner of Friday's wild-card game between Baltimore and Texas.

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