The New York Yankees defied the odds for the 2nd-consecutive game vs the Oakland Athletics. Yesterday, the scorching hot hitting machine, known as DJ LeMahieu, was the hero. Today, the underrated deity, known as Mike Ford, sent Yankee Stadium into a chaotic frenzy of joy.
J.A. Happ pitched 6 solid innings on Sunday, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 5 batters on 98 pitches. Although his walk ratio still remains an issue, walking 4 batters in the afternoon, giving up 1 hit in 6 innings is spectacular, especially with how much Happ has struggled this season. Adam Ottavino, Chance Adams and Ryan Dull also toed the slab, allowing a combined 3 hits, 4 runs and striking out 4 batters on 66 pitches.
Dull ran into some serious issues in the top of the 7th, allowing 2 hits and 3 runs on 26 pitches. Sheldon Neuse started off the 3-run rally, smashing a 2-run double to right field and recording his first major league career hit and RBI. Josh Phegley followed in his footsteps, recording an RBI due to brilliant base running from Jurickson Profar. Adams was responsible for giving up the last run the Athletics would record. In the top of the 8th, Matt Olson hammered a solo shot to right field, extending the A’s lead over the Yanks, 4-0.
As social media spiraled into a blazing fire of negativity, the Bronx Bombers proved they’re a superior organization and continue to demonstrate a never give up mentality. In the top of the 7th with based loaded and no outs, Gleyber Torres smashed a high towering flyout, collecting a sacrifice fly and extending their no-shutout streak to 220 games. Sir Didi Gregorius changed the entire momentum of the game, bringing home 2 runs with a base hit up the middle of the diamond.
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As the atmosphere tightened, so did the knot in everyone’s stomach. Both fan bases were on edge and impatiently waiting for a positive outcome. Well, Gardy had a scheme in mind for Yankees fans. In the bottom of the 9th, Brett Gardner, who struggled with 3 strikeouts on the afternoon, launched an admirable solo shot to deep right field that traveled 396-feet with an exit velocity of 100.9 MPH.
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The game was now tied and the conditions were perfect for the 2nd-consecutive game with a walk-off homer. Mike Ford, who has been exceedingly productive since the West Coast trip, possessed the opportunity to become a true hero. Ford, a talented and young baseball player that dreamed of playing for the Yankees his entire life, clutched up in the most important spot of his career. On a 3-2 count with the bases empty, Ford shined bright and demolished a glorious walk-off homer to center field, traveling 394-feet with an exit velocity of 100.2 MPH and granting the Yanks with a 5-4 victory over the A’s.
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According to Katie Sharp, “Mike Ford is the first Yankee with a no-out, pinch-hit walk-off HR since Mickey Mantle on August 26, 1966.” Not only is this a fun fact, but also incredible to say the least. The New York Yankees now lead the majors with 41 comeback victories and are the first club to acquire 90 wins on the season. The New York Yankees are credited to a 90-48 (.652) record and continue to glow in the moonlight.