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Yankees look to lock up playoff spot vs. Devil Rays

Sep 26, 2007 - 1:36 PM Ny Yankees (90-67) at Tampa Bay (65-92), 7:10 pm EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (Ticker) - The New York Yankees will look to clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday when they take on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the middle game of a three-game series.

The Yankees sit three games back of the Boston Red Sox (93-64) in the American League East Division, but hold a 4 1/2 game advantage over the Detroit Tigers (86-72) in the AL wild card race.

New York had the chance to wrap up a postseason berth on Tuesday, but couldn't overcome the Devil Rays, suffering a 7-6 setback in 10 innings.

Chien-Ming Wang (18-7, 3.72 ERA) will try to get the Yankees back in the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season when he takes the mound on Wednesday.

Wang dominated the Toronto Blue Jays in his last start, allowing two runs - one earned - and six hits over seven innings. The Yankees ace didn't factor into the decision, however, as the Blue Jays rallied off the bullpen, claiming a 5-4 victory on Friday.

J.P. Howell (1-5, 6.80), who has lost four consecutive starts, will try to end his losing streak against the Yankees.

Howell gave up two runs and five hits in six innings, but lost the game as Tampa Bay managed only one run against the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim last Wednesday.