Yankees Playing Clutch

One of the big reasons for the Yankees' success this past weekend and on the season as a whole has been their ability to get big hits late in ballgames. Checking out ESPN's stats for the 7th inning or later, the Yankees rank 1st in all of baseball in runs (by 33), 2nd in hits, 1st in doubles, 1st in home runs (by 15), 1st in total bases (by 86), 1st in RBIs (by 28), 1st in batting average, 1st in OBP and 1st in slugging. Only the Mets have struck out less in those situations and no one has walked more. And they're 22 out of 25 in stolen base opportunities. 

The Yankees OPS in the 7th inning or later is .901 which is 103 points higher than Tampa Bay, the next closest team.

Just for comparison, the Red Sox rank 17th in baseball with a .709 OPS in those situations.

Meanwhile, the Yankees batting average against and OBP against ranks best in baseball in those situations and their .683 OPS against ranks second to only Seattle in the American League.

No wonder the Yankees are playing some great baseball. PECOTA has the Yankees at 98.4% chance of making the playoffs and averaging over 100 wins, Baseball Prospectus has the Yankees at 96.6% and over 98 wins, and coolstandings.com has the Yanks at 92.9% and just under 98 wins. And The Purist Bleeds Pinstripes adds that Joe Girardi outmanaged Terry Francona this weekend (except for the bullpen last night). Even Cody Ransom made it through waivers (H/T Scott Proctor's Arm)

It's all looking good from here.

 

I'll be heading down tonight to the Bronx to see the marquis matchup of Marc Rzepczynski (1-3, 3.74) vs. Sergio Mitre (1-0, 7.50).

Lineup courtesy of Peter Abraham:

YANKEES (69-42)
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Posada DH
Cano 2B
Hairston LF
Cabrera CF
Molina C

 

Let's hope for 8 straight!