Aaron Richter And Juan Soto both hit a 2-for-4 line, including a home run and three RBIs, in Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, with the Yankees' magic number in the AL East down to one but New York unable to celebrate a division title.

The Yankees (92-66) lost to the Orioles (88-70) 9-7, securing their first series loss in three weeks and two straight losses. The throne is still unclaimed before the finale on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

New York's four-run rally with Soto's RBI single and Judge's three-run home run fell short, making the potential deciding goal in Gerrit ColeThe Yankees are looking to avoid their first three-game sweep since July 2-4 against the Cincinnati Reds.

“It's the game, man,” said Aaron Boone“Nothing has been easy for us this year. You shouldn't expect that now. But we somehow held on and fought through, and I think in this game too – the same – and we will be ready tomorrow. We got Gerrit going. They obviously (Corbin) Burnes who has been throwing really well for them lately.

“So I know it's going to be a really competitive game, and hey, that's 2024 for us. (In) many ways, it's been a standout year so far. But it's also been challenging, and it hasn't been easy. And coming home here wasn't easy at first, but I'm excited for tomorrow.”

Will the Yankees' momentum carry over into the next game after New York allowed 17 hits in a game that tied the score at seven runs?

“That's what we take with us,” Soto said. “We forget what happens in the beginning. We just try to focus on what we did at the end of the game and try to take it into the next day.”

New York has a chance to prove that before the conclusion of the regular season with a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend.

“If there's 45 on the mound, we're in with a good chance,” Judge said of Cole. “He's been throwing the ball, just in time for the playoffs, so I'm excited to have him out there.”