BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees prepared for the postseason by getting a few milestones out of the way.
David Wells recorded career victory No. 200 by allowing one run in 7 2/3 innings and Mariano Rivera polished off the five-hitter for his 40th save of the season as the Yankees edged the Baltimore Orioles, 3-1.
Wells (15-7) became the 99th pitcher and just the 24th lefthander to reach 200 victories. The former Oriole did not walk a batter, struck out one and got a mild surprise when teammate Roger Clemens came out to remove him in the eighth.
"(Getting 200 wins) is a great accomplishment," said Wells, who may be in line to start Game Four of the Division Series against Minnesota. "I'm not big on numbers, but when you finally get there, it's good. It's something you can have and treasure for the rest of your life. It's a great accomplishment."
Clemens, a 300-game winner, was serving as acting manager.
New York, which opens postseason play Tuesday against the Twins at Yankee Stadium, won its 101st game of the season. The Yankees also set a single-season franchise attendance record, falling just shy of 3.5 million fans.
The Yankees did endure a bit of disappointment as Derek Jeter fell short in his quest for the American League batting title. Jeter finished the season at .324, just behind Boston's Bill Mueller (.326).
"I had a chance, but it just wasn't meant to be," Jeter said. "It would've been nice, but we have more important things than a batting title."
Mueller got just one at-bat Sunday.
"Somebody mentioned it," Jeter said. "You think about it a little."
Baltimore completed a 71-91 campaign and likely played its last game under manager Mike Hargrove, whose contract expired at the end of the season. The Orioles were 67-95 last year.
"It doesn't do anybody any good for me to talk about my emotions," Hargrove said. "I've enjoyed my time as an Oriole. Hopefully, it's not going to end. If (me and my staff) don't come back, we have nothing to hang our heads about.
"If the Orioles want to make a change, I'm OK with it. ... I'm excited about the future of the Orioles, whether I'm here or not. ... It's been a difficult year, a very fulfilling and rewarding year in other ways."
Orioles' starter Eric DuBose (3-6), who should get a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation next spring, allowed three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.
"DuBose was outstanding," Hargrove said. "He left a fastball middle of the plate to Soriano. That's not where you want to pitch him."
Baltimore broke on top with a run in the second, but New York seized the lead in the third as Drew Henson - possibly in his final game as a major leaguer - singled and Soriano homered.
It was the 38th homer of the season for Soriano, who became just the third player ever to record consecutive seasons with 35 homers and 35 stolen bases.
Soriano has 23 hits in his last 59 at-bats and finished the season hitting .290 with 91 RBI.
"It was a good season for me," he said. "This year, I had a little problem with my hand. I finished strong. I'm playing hard, working hard. I think every year I want to be better."
Walks to David Dellucci and Juan Rivera and a base hit by Karim Garcia capped the scoring.
Mariano Rivera struck out two in a scoreless ninth and reached the 40-save plateau for the fourth time in his nine-year career. He has not allowed a run in his last 16 1/3 innings.
