The New York Yankees and Gio Urshela came back from down two runs in the ninth inning to steal a victory and take the lead in the AL East.
The New York Yankees needed some magic in the ninth inning after falling behind the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1. Gio Urshela is having a magical season. It only makes sense that he would be the guy to come through in the clutch on Friday.
With two outs and the winning run on third base, Urshela roped a line drive into right-center and was chased down by a mob of his teammates on the infield dirt.
Lord Commander Gio Mormont. pic.twitter.com/htZ1BmfSFc
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 18, 2019
The Yankees improved to a season-best 11 games over .500. This victory moves the Yankees into first place in the American League East.
Luke Voit provided the first spark with an opposite-field home run to cut the lead in half. However, the Yankees still needed one more pesky run to tie the Rays. Gary Sanchez roped a single and Gleyber Torres’ double put the Rays’ backs against the wall.
In fact, it looked like the Rays were imploding from the inside. Rays reliever Jose Alvarado spiked a ball in the dirt and allowed the tying run to cross the plate. Meanwhile, the winning run advanced to third.
That was when Urshela stepped up to the plate to provide the final blow. This was a classic comeback and Urshela’s magical season continues.
The Yankees and Rays have a quick turnaround after Friday night’s long affair that included a short rain delay. The two sides will square off on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. Masahiro Tanaka will duel with reigning Cy Young winner, Blake Snell.
