Winning a World Series requires every single player to step up and make a big play at some point in the season. The New York Yankees are no exemption to that requirement, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo stated after Thursday’s walk-off win in the bottom of the 9th inning to complete a series sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rizzo, who signed a two-year extension to stick with the Yankees, came up to the plate with an opportunity to end the game before heading to extra innings. He got a perfect pitch, over the middle and inside, launching it to right field.
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Residency is key, and the Yankees have it:
With starting pitcher Luis Severino being scratched after a Covid scare, the Yankees relied on their bullpen to take them all the way. The bullpen pitches admirably, giving up just one run.
After the contest, Rizzo delivered an inspiring speech to his teammates, pointing to the need for everybody to step up and be prepared when their moment arrives.
It’s going to take all 26 guys,” Rizzo said after Thursday’s win, via NJ.com.
“It’s going to take 40-plus guys on the roster throughout the year. That’s our job. The guys who are here all the time, when guys do come in, to make them feel as comfortable as fast and as quick as possible.”
Against Tampa Bay, the Yankees had several big moments, including a three-run Kyle Higashioka blast to propel the Bombers to victory on Wednesday. Higashioka was coming off a solid weekend, hitting two homers against the Chicago Cubs, indicating he finally broke free from the cold streak. That left-field blast against one of the best pitchers in baseball, Shane McClanahan, hand-delivered the Yankees a win, and not just any win, their 30th over .500.
“I thought Rizzo just said it really well in there,” Boone said. “It’s going to take everyone. It’s something we say in spring training when the full group is there, look around, even if you don’t think necessarily you’re going to impact us, there’s a chance you might come up in a huge spot one day, one week, whatever. Make sure you’re ready.”
This Yankee team is reaching new heights with their success, delivering a monstrous cushion in the AL East. They currently have a 10-game difference. However, a tough streak of games continues as the Bombers travel to Toronto. They will head to Tampa Bay and then host Houston over a four-game series.