The New York Yankees were facing elimination on Tuesday after losing the first two games in the American League Divisional Series to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Things looked bleak for New York, falling behind by five runs early in the game. Some shaky defense, combined with timely home runs by Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm, brought the Yankees back, giving them a 7-6 lead in the fifth inning.
Yankees starter Carlos Rodon only managed to record seven outs before New York turned to their bullpen. The Yankees used four relievers to cover the next five innings and did so without allowing a run. Luke Weaver, one of New York’s high-leverage arms, has seriously struggled in the playoffs, recording just one out in three outings. He’s fallen out of favor, leaving Aaron Boone one arm short at the back of the bullpen.
With a runner on first and one out in the eighth inning, a spot that Weaver would normally be in consideration for, Boone gave the ball to ex-Pirates closer David Bednar. The righty retired the next five hitters in order, keeping the Yankees’ season alive.
“You want those shutdown innings,” Bednar said. “Especially after the offense gets some momentum. Just kinda keep handing the ball off, we’ve got a really good group down there.”
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Bednar has been excellent since joining the Yankees. He was acquired at the trade deadline and blew a save in his first appearance, but has been stellar since then. In 21 regular-season games, he allowed just four runs. He’s also closed all three of their postseason victories without allowing a run.
The Yankees will try to extend their season once again on Wednesday night in Game 4 against the Blue Jays.
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