After losing the first two games of the series against the division rival, Baltimore Orioles, the New York Yankees are the American League East division champions. 50th first place finish in franchise history, as they once again attempt their first World Series since 2009. Now with a magic number of 2 for the best record in the AL.
A season that had so much hype after acquiring Juan Soto, which then turned to panic as Gerrit Cole started on the IL, Judge was sidelined in spring training. which led to an abysmal month of April for the Yankees captain. Fast forward to tonight, where Judge hit his 58th homer of the season and has all but secured his second MVP award.
Making his last start before the playoffs, Cole (8-5) allowed two hits in 6 2/3 innings, struck out five and walked one, lowering his ERA to 3.41. He struck out Anthony Santander with a 98.1 mph fastball that ended the eighth after plate umpire David Rackley called a ball on the previous pitch, a knuckle-curve that appeared to be just above the strike zone. Cole glared as the umpire as the pitcher walked back to the dugout. Nothing better than an angry Cole, 2.25 ERA in his last 10 starts.
Tonight was an absolute rout 10-1 victory to clinch. Giancarlo Stanton who has not only stayed relatively healthy, but had a productive year as tonight was the 14th time him and Judge homered in the same game. tying a record held by Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.
Left fielder Alex Verdugo, who has been struggling tremendously at the plate since the All star break, got an opportunity to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th. Struts to the plate in bright pink batting gloves, then sends a ball into the second deck on the right field seats.
Tonight was a damn near perfect performance from the entire lineup, as well as Cole and the bullpen. I would pay top dollar to have been in the clubhouse popping champagne with Chazz Jizzum (Jazz Chisholm).
Yankees have been through this gauntlet of the American league post season since 2017. In the words of Kobe Bryant....jobs not finished.
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