From Tyler Kepner:"Cabrera hiked his average to .429 (14 for 29) in close-and-late situations, defined as the seventh inning or later with the team at bat tied or ahead by a run, or with the winning run on base, at bat or on deck."
Great stat there. I don't know where to find that stat, but I'll tell you one thing: There are two Yankees now that I feel the most comfortable with at the plate in a really big spot. Derek Jeter and Melky Cabrera. Matsui and Posada are good too, and Teixeira also seems reliable. But Jeter and Melky seem to focus and raise their game with the stakes.
Today Melky did what he does best: Get a big hit in a late at-bat during a close game. His two-run shot, batting right-handed, over the left field wall gave the Yankees the win, in an amazing game that featured the return of Wang, a three run game-tying double by Teixeira, some clutchness from A-Rod, Jeter on the bench, and a great performance from the bullpen. There's a lot to say, but this might be the most meaningful:
With the win, the Yankees remain in first place, tied with the Red Sox. They have ripped the first place Rangers 4 games to 2 so far. Now they continue in what could be their most difficult stretch of the season, with 4 games against the hot-hitting AL champion Rays, 3 in Fenway against the Sox who are playing well again, and 3 more against the NY Mets.
Play ball.
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