Sox Swept, Message Sent, Yankees Back

Not that long ago, the Yankees were 41-41, and had little chance of making the Playoffs.

Now, the Yankees are 69-52. I'll do the math for you: They've won 27 of their last 38. They have a new energy, are showing character, are getting healthier, and are winning games they would have lost in the 1st half of the season.

If the current standings hold to the end of the season, the Yankees would host the American League Wild Card game. The Boston Red Sox would miss the Playoffs completely. And the Yankees do now have a serious shot at winning the AL Eastern Division.

Last night was the finale of a 3-game series against the hated Red Sox. Andrew Heaney started, and little was expected of the man who started the Field of Dreams Game last week.

Surprise: After giving up a home run to Xander Bogaerts in the 1st inning, making us think, "Oy vey, here we go again," Heaney settled down, pitched 7 innings, allowing no further runs, only 1 other hit, 2 walks, striking out 4. I couldn't believe it. None of us could.

A performance like that deserves lots of run support. Giancarlo Stanton led off the bottom of the 2nd with a single. Rougned Odor drew a walk. Gary Sanchez singled to load the load the bases with nobody out. Brett Gardner hit a sacrifice fly to score Stanton and tie the game. Andrew Velazquez, the recently-acquired Bronx native, singled Odor home. DJ LeMahieu grounded out, but Anthony Rizzo, returning from the COVID list, singled home Sanchez and Velazquez.

The game remained 4-1 Yankees into the bottom of the 8th, after Zack Britton  pitched a perfect top of the 8th. But Aroldis Chapman couldn't close it: He got the 1st 2 outs in the 9th, but allowed a home run to Hunter Renfroe, a walk to Bogaerts and a single to  J.D. Martinez. Aaron Boone brought Lucas Luetge in, and I was sure it was over.

It was, the other way: Luetge pitched to one batter, Kevin Plawecki. He hit the ball in the hole, and Velazquez had to make a tough play and a tough throw, but he made them.

Yankees 5, Red Sox 2. WP: Heaney (8-8). SV: Luetge (1). LP: Nick Pivetta (9-6). A sweep of The Scum. The message was sent: The Yankees no longer have reason to be afraid of these bastards.

There was an echo of 1978, with the Boston Massacre series at Fenway Park, although it happened in August, which also gave us an echo of the 5-game sweep at Fenway in 2006. The season has completely turned around, and I love it.

The Minnesota Twins now come in for 4 games. Let's keep it going, and go after those Tampa Bay Rays. Come on you Pinstripes!