At the beginning of the season, the New York Yankees introduced the “bat-torpedo”, where it was the sensation after hitting and recording home run records per game. However, the players cooled off and did not take advantage of the innovation of their bats. With just over four months of activity, the Bronx Bombers have a 69-59 record. The statistics show interesting and contrasting numbers when the New Yorkers hit home runs and when they have to make use of batting and base running.
If their hitters send the ball over the fence, they have a 58-38 record, but their performance drops dramatically to 11-20 when they don’t. This reliance on the home run is evident and could be a crucial factor in their American League wild-card fight. The more than 20 percentage point difference in their winning percentage shows that the team is much more likely to win when it hits home runs.
New York Yankees’ playoff hopes take a hit
The American League Classic showed this trend. In their recent matchup against the Boston Red Sox, despite Ben Rice hitting a home run, the team could not hold the lead, falling in a crucial game that reduced their lead in the wild card race to just half a game. This was the team’s 15th home run in three games, and the 20th consecutive game they have scored via long ball, further highlighting their reliance on this type of play to generate runs.
With the series set for Fenway Park, the Bronx Bombers drop to the second wild card spot below Boston, but still above the Seattle Mariners by one game, but still with a comfortable lead over the Kansas City Royals by 3.5 games. However, any slip-up, any negative streak in combination with a Royals rise could spring surprises in mid-September.
Aaron Boone acknowledges that they must run the bases better
The situation is further complicated when you consider that the New York Yankees have only won one of their last seven games against the Boston Red Sox this season. The pressure is on the team to find other ways to score and secure victories, especially as games become more critical in the final stretch of the season. The ability to adapt and diversify their offense could be the key to securing a playoff spot.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized that they cannot rely on the home run and will look to generate plays on the diamond and hits to the outfield to run the bases. With the season approaching its climax, the Yankees must find a balance between their power hitters and the ability of players to adjust their approach and find alternative ways to score. Fans are hoping that the team can overcome this reliance and prove that they are more than just a home run team.
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