Wilson Betemit's fielding error in the 12th inning allowed Rocco Baldelli to score the winning run as the Tampa Bay Rays celebrated their American League East title victory with a 3-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon.

Baldelli reached on a one-out single, stole second and scored when Betemit botched a Kelly Shoppach hit at third base. Rays closer Rafael Soriano put two runners on in the bottom of the inning, but struck out Mike Aviles to end the threat and the game.

The Rays had clinched the AL East championship earlier in the afternoon when the New York Yankees dropped an 8-4 decision to the Boston Red Sox. Tampa will host the Texas Rangers to open one Divisional Series, while the Yankees play in Minnesota.

Carlos Pena drove in a pair of runs for the Rays, while Alex Gordon's two-run homer in the fourth inning accounted for the Kansas City offense.

Jeff Niemann (12-8) earned the win by striking out the side in the 11th inning, while Soriano picked up his 45th save.

Dusty Hughes (1-3) took the loss despite striking out four in his 1 1/3 innings of work.

Tampa starter Wade Davis held the Royals to two runs on three hits over seven innings. Royals counterpart Sean O'Sullivan tossed six scoreless innings, allowing two hits while walking three and striking out three.