5. Oct. 10, 2009 — A-Rod Ties ALDS Game 2
Expectations were at an all-time high for the New York Yankees entering the 2009 postseason. After a 103-win regular season, they were runaway favorites to take home their 27th World Series title.
With that being said, just as much of a close watch was on their cleanup hitter. Coming off steroid allegations and arthroscopic hip surgery, Rodriguez still managed 30 homers and 100 runs batted in over less than five months (124 games).
However, his previous playoff performances took a toll on any fan’s trust in the superstar.
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A-Rod put all questions to bed in Game 2 of the ALDS. Facing Twins’ closer Joe Nathan as the tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning, he absolutely crushed a 3-1 offering into the right-center field bullpen.
Rather than losing home-field advantage in the series, the Yankees went up two games to nothing — thanks to Mark Teixeira’s 11th inning blast — and eventually swept the series.
For Rodriguez, he finished the magical ’09 postseason with a .365 average, six homers, and 18 RBIs. Without his presence, the Yankees would not have christened their brand new ballpark with a championship.
