Why is the Yankees’ comeback against the Rangers an epic one?

The New York Yankees have made many comebacks to win big games. However, on Sunday, their rally to make a comeback and win against the Rangers was an extraordinary one.

In the previous 25 innings of the series, the Yankees had only managed to score five runs, making a two-run deficit seem insurmountable. They faced the challenge of playing without Aaron Judge, lacking their usual offensive firepower, and facing uncertain prospects. The Rangers were not even expecting to see a dormant offense getting into life all of a sudden and involving all in the team.

Yankees offense make a great comeback

When the game appeared to be lifeless and beyond reach, the Yankees discovered a flicker of hope in the final innings. At the start of the eighth inning, the Yankees had only managed to accumulate four hits throughout the game.

After four hits, including a significant one by Harrison Bader, all coming from players who had been struggling, the Yankees orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the eighth inning. They scored three runs in that frame, securing an unexpected 5-3 victory over the division-leading Rangers. The game took place at a packed Yankee Stadium, with a sold-out crowd of 46,064 in attendance.

The comeback rally that leads to #Yankees win over #Rangers. #MLB #RepBX pic.twitter.com/1O0YGh0Vnr

— Pinstripes Nation – chassdee_ tweeting today (@pinstripesnat) June 26, 2023

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Judge and their recent offensive struggles, the Yankees (43-35) have managed to defy expectations by winning two consecutive series and claiming victory in four out of six games during their homestand.

In a rare occurrence, the Yankees achieved a remarkable feat by improving their record to 3-27 in games where they were trailing after seven innings this season.

In the decisive eighth inning, Anthony Volpe, who had been struggling with a 3-for-20 slump, hammered a double to left-center field to ignite the rally.

Manager Aaron Boone commented on the shortstop’s recent improvement in his at-bat quality, stating that he has been trending in a positive direction over the last week or 10 days.

Despite his recent struggles, Jose Trevino was unable to successfully execute a bunt. However, he managed to hit a single to the left side of the field. Following a flyout by Gleyber Torres, Texas manager Bruce Bochy made a pitching change, bringing in right-hander Yerry Rodriguez to face Harrison Bader. Bader responded by smashing a two-run double to the left side, giving the Yankees their first lead of the game.

Bader led from the front

With a smile, Bader, who had only two hits in his last 16 at-bats, pointed out that he was looking for the pitch right there – the high and inside fastball.

Giancarlo Stanton, who had struggled with a 4-for-50 performance in his recent at-bats, responded with a scorching single to left, providing the Yankees with a much-needed breathing room. Boone expressed his satisfaction with Stanton’s hit, stating that it was a positive development for the team. He also expressed hope for building on that success in the future.

Prior to the turning point, the Yankees had only managed to score runs in the second inning. During that inning, DJ LeMahieu, who had been struggling with a 6-for-39 performance, hit a double to right-center field, resulting in two runs.

Between the second and eighth innings, the Yankees’ offense remained relatively quiet. However, they managed to stay afloat due to Gerrit Cole‘s resilient performance on the mound and the exceptional performance of the bullpen.

The Yankees bullpen kept the flag flying

In a series where the Yankees scored a total of eight runs, their victory can be attributed to their impressive pitching performance, allowing only seven runs throughout the series. It is worth noting that two of those runs were conceded in Friday’s 10th inning. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering they were up against a team boasting the best offense in the major leagues.

Boone commended the team’s collective effort, acknowledging the significant contributions of every player involved, including a fatigued bullpen. He praised both the starters and the bullpen members, recognizing their crucial roles in the victory. Boone also mentioned that despite not having Holmes, Peralta, and Kahnle available for the decisive game, the bullpen stepped up and played a vital part in the team’s success.

Cole deviated from his usual dominant form, but it didn’t have a significant impact on the game’s outcome. It was a rare occurrence as he failed to pitch for a complete five innings, marking the first time this season and since June 9, 2022, that he fell short of that mark.

However, despite not being at his best, the Yankees’ ace, Gerrit Cole, managed to hold his ground and keep his team in the game. He surrendered three runs on nine hits and a walk, but he battled through for 4 ²/₃ innings.

Cole acknowledged that it was a challenging game, attributing the outcome to the aggressive approach of the Rangers rather than his own pitching performance. He recognized the difficult conditions, including the hot and sweaty weather, and credited the Rangers for their strong hitting against him.

The Yankees emphasized the importance of minimizing the damage caused by the opposing team and highlighted their collective effort in playing a strong and cohesive game, which ultimately propelled them to victory.

In the fifth inning, Cole handed over the game to the bullpen as the Yankees trailed 3-2. Jimmy Cordero stepped in and successfully retired three batters, passing the ball to Nick Ramirez, who went on to record four outs.

In the eighth inning, Ron Marinaccio, pitching on consecutive days, delivered a scoreless performance. Then in the ninth, it was Michael King’s turn to face the formidable Rangers’ lineup. Despite struggling in his previous three innings, King effectively handled the heart of their order, conceding only a two-out single to Nathaniel Lowe.

Boone praised King for stepping up and delivering a strong performance after a few recent struggles. With his fifth save of the season, King came through in a crucial moment for the team.

The Yankees’ bullpen boasts the best ERA in the major leagues, standing at an impressive 2.85. Cole acknowledged the impressive performance of the bullpen, stating that it has been a notable strength for the team, especially during this series.

While the Yankees haven’t been known for their ability to bounce back and display resilience consistently, their recent strong homestand, despite Aaron Judge’s absence, could serve as a starting point for a positive turnaround.

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