Oswaldo Cabrera joined an exclusive club of four Yankees after he delivered a walk-off hit for the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins in the first game of their doubleheader on Wednesday. The milestone achievement is also the first for New York since 2007.
The game at Yankee Stadium also saw “fan-hated” Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s match-winning grand slam. He was able to score on the walk-off single that was hit by the rookie in the bottom of the 12th inning, which contributed to New York’s 5-4 victory.
Even though Aaron Judge hit his 55th home run in the same game that Cabrera did, it was the Venezuela-born utility player who stole the limelight with his milestone.
Fans will remember the night for Cabrera’s contribution to the Yankee’s victory. He became the fourth Yankees player and first in 15 years to have both an outfield assist and a walk-off hit in extra innings during the same game.
Only Melky Cabrera in 2007, Joe Pepitone in 1967, and Yogi Berra in 1961 were the only three Yankees to achieve a similar milestone.
Before the assist and hit, Cabrera had a pathetic batting average of 0 for 25.
“We love his poise and his makeup; he’s not afraid,” manager Aaron Boone spoke about Cabrera in a post-game press chat.
The Yankees went on to win both games of the doubleheader against the Twins and reclaim their leadership position in the American League East division. The New York Yankees continue to lead the American League East Division by five games over the Tampa Bay Rays and by 6.5 games over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Cabrera joined the Yankees in 2015 as a teenage prospect and got his first Major League opportunity on August 17 this year.
The Yankees and the Twins will play their final game of the series on Thursday night.
Can Oswaldo Cabrera maintain his form? Is he able to leave behind his worst phase?
