New York Yankees’ reliable batting line-up fails at crucial time – MLB Playoffs
It always creates trouble when the most reliable batting squad fails when they are needed the most. This is what happened to the New York Yankees, as their full strength batting camp acted like feeble straw in the second outing as the club lost 5-3 against
the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, October 2.
A batting camp comprised of Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher is without a doubt the best batting line-up of the season. However, a sudden failure problem has been tied with the club throughout
the season.
The Yankees’ captain Derek Jeter, despite having his popularity of past playoff performances, entered five times and could not touch even a single hit. Every time he entered the plate, he remained in a struggling position, wasting 22 pitches and got out
twice.
Home-run giant, Alex Rodriguez again went into a struggling position in the playoffs. The third baseman could not touch even a single pitch and struggled in three at-bats.
“There's no need to get emotional,” A-Rod said. “One big hit can really change this season around, and you really got to stay in the moment. Like Phil Jackson, a little bit of a Zen mode.”
Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira also both strived hard to make any impression but their powerful swings could not match the brilliant changeups of Max Scherzer. Second baseman Cano hit only a single over 27 pitches he faced over four at-bats. His usual performance
of leading the squad with an opening hit, did not work in a much needed time.
Teixeira being among the top of the struggling batters gave all the credit to the Tigers’ starter Max Scherzer.
"He was really good -- the best I've ever seen him," said Yankees’ first baseman Mark Teixeira. "Great fastball, his changeup was really, really good and the numbers don't lie. He just dominated us."
Only Granderson and Nick Swisher provided the Yankees pretty much what they would have expected from their all batters, though it was not enough to keep up with the Tigers’ pace. Designated hitter Jorge Posada also did his part with two RBIs in his three
at-bats.
However, the third game has been considered the most important of all and Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi is aware of the importance. He understands the magnitude of Game 3 for his team as they look to survive in the series.
The Yankees will now be concentrating on putting a tremendous performance in Game 3 and dominate every aspect of the match. New York will be hoping that their struggling batting line-up can somehow break the shackles and put some runs on the board early.
The Yankees will definitely not go down without a brilliant fight.
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