NEW YORK -- Not exactly by design, this Yankees team has had ample experience playing tightly contested games. No American League club has played in more games decided by two runs or fewer this season, and depending on your viewpoint, that could be a blessing or a curse as New York eyes the postseason.\n\nAfter New York scuffled for nine innings against the league’s weakest pitching staff,
“It’s been awesome, helping us win and putting up some good numbers at the same time,” said Stanton, who also homered in the contest. “It’s huge, but most important is the wins. They all help when you put them together at the end of the season to get ready.”
Stanton's single to center field off Dillon Tate drove home
\n\nGiancarlo Stanton 121.1 mph walk-off single
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 4, 2021
That's the hardest-hit batted ball for a walk-off tracked by Statcast (since 2015)
It's his 6th batted ball at 121+ mph since '15. Only 2 other players have even 1 each: Aaron Judge & Gary Sánchez
“He’s scary when he comes up to the plate,” said Yankees starter
Until the extra innings, the Bombers were limited to a pair of runs, both coming against Baltimore starter John Means. Stanton connected in the fourth inning for his 26th long ball of the season, and LeMahieu lifted a sacrifice fly in the fifth.
Stanton has been a key component in a Yankees hot streak that has seen them win 15 of 19 games. He has reached base safely in all but one of his last 28 games and has driven in 14 runs over his last 10.\n\n“We always have confidence in G,” said
“I felt like my stuff was pretty good,” Cortes said. “Gary \\[Sánchez\\] called a great game back there. I stayed in my lanes for the most part throughout the night and made some big pitches to get out of some jams. All I hoped for was to leave my team in a good position to win.”\n\nWith the bats stalled and Boone looking for 10 outs from his bullpen,