The New York Yankees are looking to finish the 2024 regular season at the top of the American League East division. But things have not gone their way throughout the long season. They have a poor record this year against teams below .500. Moreover, Aaron Judge has been struggling lately to hit a home run in his last 15 outings. Once this season, he was on pace to break his own record of 62 homers back in the 2022 season. He even was the first hitter in 2024 to hit 50, and more home runs. But then the sudden slump after hitting 51 homers has been raising concerns among the fans in the Bronx.
Lately, the NY side managed to win a series against the Kansas City Royals. But in Game 2 of that series, the visitors handed the Yankees one of their worst defeats in the league history. Aaron Boone’s side could not earn a single walk or even an extra-base hit on Tuesday. Instead, they suffered 14 strikeouts, owing to a brilliant performance by Seth Lugo, the Royals starter. Eventually, the Yankees lost 5-0 on Tuesday. Now, how they responded to that loss is essential.
A Walk-Off Helped Yankees To Win Game 3 In Extra Innings
Albeit, the postseason is still a couple of weeks away, on Wednesday, the Yankees had a playoff like test. The Royals RHP Seth Lugo suffocated the NY side’s offense on Tuesday as the KC side won 5-0. After the offense had a game where they managed to earn only three hits with zero walks and zero extra-base hits, they were looking for redemption. Next month, when the postseason begins, Aaron Boone’s side will not get much opportunity to bounce back. Hence, they must start flushing out those bad performances as soon as possible. The offense has been their main strength throughout the season, and they must perform with no margin for error against top starters.
Their performance on Wednesday against the Royals should boost their confidence a bit. Cole Ragans, the LHP of the KC Royals, started the game pretty well. It seemed like he picked up where Lugo left off the other day. However, Juan Soto came to the rescue of the NY side in the sixth inning when he hit a two-run homer. It was a timely home run after an injury scare when Soto got hit in his ankle real bad. Anyway, in the 11th inning, the fans in the Bronx saw some heroics from Jazz Chisholm Jr., who delivered the game-winning walk. That was enough to pull off a dramatic series win for the AL East toppers.
Third Walk-Off Win For The Pinstripes In 2024
Despite the series win, it is an eye-opener for the Bronx Bombers that the offense and the pitchers must not allow such bad displays in the playoffs. Even now, the Yankees are not sure about their closer role, as Boone is willing to be “Creative” about it. The bullpen looks a bit shaky but the offense must maintain their good form. Moreover, Aaron Judge must get back his form of hitting homers for fun sooner than ever.
However, Wednesday’s win was the third walk-off win for the Bombers this season. The third baseman delivered the winner in the bottom of the 11th inning. It was an infield single to Bobby Witt Jr., the shortstop. Then, Jon Berti, who was waiting in third base, did the rest, sealing a 4-3 win for the Yankees. After the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Boston Red Sox, the Pinstripes got 1 1/2 games up in the AL East division.
Stay tuned to Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.
