This is the a team that has been nothing short of a Jekyll and Hyde remake. They lose six, win six, commit three errors, complete three triple plays, go hitless, hit grand slams—it has been a roller coaster of emotions, big wins and big losses. But last night, was absolutely electric and silencing at the same time. Giancarlo Stanton's laser swing launched a soaring go-ahead grand slam over the Green Monster in the eighth inning on Saturday, powering the Yankees' come-from-behind 5-3 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
With Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner on base with walks and the Yankees down 2-1, the drama of the eighth inning was just beginning. Red Sox pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez hit Anthony Rizzo enabling Yankee slugger Giancarlo Stanton a chance to put his team ahead. Hernandez left a "94.3 mph fastball over the heart of home plate that Stanton pummeled for a 452-foot slam, his 33rd homer of the season. Stanton is the first Yankee since Johnny Blanchard in 1961 to hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning or later at Fenway Park," reported MLB.com.
That swing could be the one that turns this season around for the Yankees. Not only was it clearly timely, but it was a forceful and it sent a message that was clear and convincing–The Yankees are not done yet, no even close. This win ties the Bombers with Boston for the first Wild Card slot— a place they have been battling for, winning then losing again.
The Yankees are starting to become a full strength team, with Luis Severino back with tremendous force to close out some batters in late innings, and the team is about to get back one of their best bullpen pitchers, Jonathan Loaisiga. just in time for the next team in the que—Toronto.
"Hopefully, if everything goes well with that [bullpen] … then he could potentially be active for the Blue Jays series,” Aaron Boone said Saturday before the Yankees played the Red Sox at Fenway Park, reported the New York Post. Right behind him is Jameson Taillon who is expected to start against the Jays as well.
It will be all hands on deck for the next seven games. If this team can win all seven- fantastic. If they can at least win 5 out of 7, that works too. Guys like Stanton need to hit with runners in scoring position, just like tonight, just like Friday night. This is the consistency the Yankees have been craving. And if this monster grand slam serves as the catalyst for what's ahead—we are in for a wild ride into the Wild Card and beyond my friends. Buckle up!
--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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