The Yankees’ sweep by the Rays wasn’t a fluke, it was a reality check

It was 9-6 in favor of the Rays during the regular season, and two of the Yankees’ victories came after Tampa Bay had clinched the AL East title.

It was a 4.5-game margin through 162 games in favor of the Rays.

And it was a 3-0 sweep in the postseason.

The Rays were the better team from the end of March through the end of September, and history repeated itself in the ALDS.