This week's Yankees-Orioles showdown could be the start of an epic race for the AL East title

The New York Yankees played last weekend at Fenway Park against rival Boston. The Baltimore Orioles hosted three straight sellouts against Philadelphia in a series matching two of the top teams in baseball.

And that was somehow just the undercard.

Now for the main event: Starting on Tuesday night, New York hosts Baltimore for three games between the two clubs that have already opened up a big gap on the rest of the AL East. The Yankees are on pace to win 109 games, the Orioles 107. With only the division champion eligible to earn a postseason first-round bye, this could be the start of a compelling AL East title race.

“I think it should be fun,” Baltimore outfielder Colton Cowser said. “I think that any chance you go into Yankee Stadium, especially with the year they're having, it's going to be a really good environment.”