Whether it’s an injury to a key player or a one-run deficit late in a game, these Yankees are resilient. They don’t quit or feel sorry for themselves, they don’t give-in and surrender. This team takes adversity as it comes and with a cool, calm steadfast approach, they’re overcoming more than they are failing. It seems like something is going on in the Bronx that hasn’t happened since 2009.
After last night’s thrilling win over the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees increased their major league best record to 17-6 in games decided by two runs or less; they are now 8-3 in one-run games, good for third in all of baseball; last night was their 12th come-from-behind win, which ties them for fifth best in the majors – according to the YES Network.
The Yankees are near the middle of the pack in almost every offensive category. Their pitching is more towards the front, signifying that their offense is doing just enough while the pitching has been the main strength of the team. The Yankees have found a good balance of power and timely hitting. Lyle Overbay has had numerous go-ahead RBIs and big hits this year. He entered yesterday’s game with a .119 average against left-handed pitchers in 42 at-bats. O’s manager Buck Showalter countered with lefty Troy Patton – and Overbay made him pay by hitting a solo shot out to right-center field to give the Yankees a short-lived lead. Through 42 games, Overbay has seven homers; it took Mark Teixeira 43 games to reach seven in 2012.
With the Yankees down to their final two-outs, Travis Hafner sent a Jim Johnson pitch out to left-center to tie the game at four. Then in the 10th, Vernon Wells – who was sitting on the bench all game – was called upon in a big spot with Ichiro on second. Wells promptly scorched a double to left, giving the Yankees a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
These old guys are fighting for their baseball lives. It’s their chance to prove to the rest of baseball that the sun hasn’t set yet. After all, these guys are trying to make a living and earn paychecks. Overbay, 36, thought his career was over after the Red Sox released him in the final week of spring training. When Wells was still with the Angels he announced he would retire after his deal was up next season. Recently, he said he might have to reconsider. Hafner was let go from the team he was with for 10 seasons, after he struggled to remain healthy for the last couple of years.
These Yankees are hungry, determined and focused on winning – which is giving us thrilling comeback wins. 2013 is shaping up to be a fun season, even without the superstars.
