MLB: N.Y. Yankees at Boston, ppd., rain

BOSTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The opening game of the critical season-ending series between the New York Yankees and Boston was postponed Friday due to rain.

Even without playing, however, the Yankees moved a half game in front of Tampa Bay at the top of the American League East. The Rays were blanked by Kansas City 7-0, losing their third in a row.

New York and Boston will play two games Saturday, the first scheduled to start at 4:10 p.m. EDT and the second at 9 p.m.

Club officials waited almost four hours after the scheduled start of Friday's game before finally announcing the postponement.