After Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton hit home runs in the ninth-inning in the Field of Dreams game between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, closer Zack Britton was called to finish off the contest. Unfortunately, Britton blew the save, allowing Tim Anderson to smack a walk-off homer in one of the most exciting games of the season and will come to be a historical event.
Britton was devastated by his performance, indicating he’s not at full strength and still fighting to regain his form after missing time to open the year. He demanded that Aaron Boone give another pitcher is an opportunity to close games, taking one for the team.
“I told him I don’t deserve to be out there in the ninth inning; other guys deserve it,” Britton said Saturday before the Yankees’ 7-5 win over Chicago in Game 2. “I haven’t been pitching the way I should be to be out there when the team needs wins. I told [Boone] I want to pitch, whenever you need me I’ll be ready, but I don’t deserve to be out there in those situations.”
Luckily, the Yankees were able to close out the next two contests, securing victory over the White Sox. The Yankees called upon Albert Abreu in Game 2 and Wandy Peralta in Game 3. Although, Lucas Luetge tried his best to ruin the day for the Bombers, Britton’s plan worked to near perfection, as the Yanks extracted two victories with him giving up the closer a role.
However, in the win on Sunday, the Yankees posted five runs on nine hits, but picked up 16 strikeouts. Joey Gallo struck out four times, Rougned Odor three times, Kyle Higashioka four times, and Tyler Wade three times. Luckily, Aaron Judge continues to rake, picking up three walks. Luke Voit smashed a two run homer in the ninth-inning, doing enough to push the Yankees over the edge. The team’s reserve first baseman is trying his best to make an impact before the return of Anthony Rizzo from the COVID list.