At this point in the season, every swing feels like it could tilt the balance of October. That was the energy in Yankee Stadium on Thursday, with Giancarlo Stanton performing in the limelight. He hit a three-run double down the line, not just putting New York ahead against Chicago, but sending a clear message regarding the focus, urgency, and what comes next in their upcoming series with Toronto.

The Yankees have ignited at the right time, threading together five straight wins and moving to 91-68 on the year. They have pulled even with the Blue Jays atop the AL East, though the Blue Jays still clinch the tiebreaker. With just three games left in the regular season, the division crown and the critical first-round playoff bye that comes with it hang in the balance. Stanton, Aaron Judge, and

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