Complex sentence: With that kind of scoring, Boston managed to compete with the Yankees and Orioles--leading the division as late as August 22--but at season's end, not even 97 wins would be enough.
Split into simpler sentences: With that kind of scoring, Boston managed to compete with the Yankees and Orioles, and even held the division lead for a time. But, by season's end, not even 97 wins would be enough.