After an emotionally devastating loss against the Rays on Monday night, the Yankees came back on Tuesday and hopefully broke out of their funk.
What a game. Just when the Yankees suffered one of their most devastating losses in recent memory, Aaron Judge and Co. rallied in the eighth inning to secure the 8-3 win. The bats finally woke up and produced in late-inning heroics from LeMahieu, Judge, and Gregorius. However, the man of the hour, Mr. David Hale squeezed the Yankees out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam to end the seventh with a dribbler to shortstop Didi Gregorius. Pitching a scoreless two innings, Hale proved to be pivotal down the stretch against a division rival, and World Series contender.
The dog days of summer have arrived and slumping is contagious around the league. Hopefully, Sanchez can get back on track after legging out a tough double in the eighth. While Voit has shown signs of rust, he has proven to work the count and showing life of becoming the player he was in the first half. With the absolute missile from Didi to put this game out of reach, the Yankees and their fans can hopefully see him turn a new leaf and be the mashing shortstop he was before the injury. We cannot forget he has missed the majority of the season and is still trying to find his rhythm.
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There is still a long way to go until the finish line in September, so some of these lively bats we saw earlier will show promise in the next couple of weeks.
Winning the division is the number one priority. Locking up the one seed with home-field advantage should also be discussed. Knowing how important the Bronx Zoo could be for this postseason run, beating on the teams the Yankees are supposed to beat on is a necessity at this point. Grinding out victories while having the starters go deeper into games is the ideal situation. Plans don’t always go accordingly, but the division can be won by zeroing in on the task at hand and winning series and gaining ground on division foes.
The Yankees haven’t been making these games easy, especially when the bullpen is starting to show some signs of fatigue after a stellar first half of the season. While there should not be panic, even with the offense showing little signs of life, this breakout game in-front of a packed Yankee Stadium will boost the confidence of so many players. Having the fans support late in close games is becoming reminiscent of Bronx playoff baseball.
Aaron Judge is the catalyst for this team and the offense will go as he goes. Judge has been able to make solid contact, which is far more valuable than just the home run hitting hero he can be. Getting on base has been the number one priority and so far he has been up to the task.
Breaking out of this offensive slump can be done if everyone holds each other accountable and follows assignments. Yankee fans can be excited about this win because this could be what starts a great run towards a division title.