The Yankees have clinched the AL East title and are closing in on home-field advantage through the ALCS.
Despite losing 4-2 to the Pirates in the Bronx on Friday night, Jazz Chisholm Jr. said he has high expectations for his team entering October.
“It was their goal all season long to not only make the playoffs, but to get to the World Series,” Chisholm said. “This is just a destination and I feel in the hearts of everyone in this clubhouse that we think our destination is now. We're not going to stop until we get that ring.” No.”
Gerrit Cole has been pitching like an ace lately, and Friday's starting pitcher Carlos Rodon also looks like a weapon heading into the postseason, and they're in a great position to get it.
Rodon's bounce back from last season's debacle is one of the keys for the Yankees heading into 2023, and he was solid again against the Pirates.
The left-handed pitcher didn't allow a run until back-to-back home runs by Nick Gonzalez and Bryan Reynolds took the lead in the sixth inning, erasing the Yankees' 2-0 lead in the fifth inning with a timely two-run hit by Chisholm. Gone.
In the 8th inning with the game tied, Tommy Kahnley allowed a two-run home run to Reynolds, and the Yankees were unable to fight back.
But their main directive next week is to prepare as best as possible for the ALDS, with Cole scheduled to pitch in Game 1 and Rodon likely in Game 2.
Mr. Rodon's life ended in turmoil last year, leaving him wondering if he could survive in New York.
He's been reliable all year, but now he wants more.
“It's going to be really fun to start here in the Bronx,” Rodon said of the postseason. “It's going to be electric. … We're going to the postseason. It's going to be completely different than last year.”
However, the Yankees are still inching forward as Jasson Dominguez starts again in left field and rests Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Austin Wells and Anthony Rizzo.
The night got off to a good start as Rodon, who broke a career high in his 32nd start of the year, pitched out of a pinch in the first inning and held the Pirates scoreless through five games.
Rodon was helped by two great running catches of Trent Grisham's deep flies to center field off Nick York's bat, as well as two base steal candidates by Jose Trevino.
After Chisholm gave the Yankees the lead in the fifth inning, the Yankees loaded the bases late in the inning, but as Alex Verdugo popped out to center field, Anthony Volpe's rocket hit center fielder Billy Cook. We kept the game with a 2 point difference.
Then Rodon stumbled in the sixth inning, and Kahnle fumbled two innings later.
But nothing could shake their confidence as they focused on the impending playoffs and winning their first World Series since 2009.
“That's what I've been hearing since I've been here and what I've felt myself,” said Chisholm, who has inspired since arriving from Miami before the trade deadline.
“I feel like we have the best talent in the league and the best teamwork and cohesiveness, so I’m very excited to be competing with them. I feel like it will disappear.”
One more win or Cleveland loss would at least give the Yankees home field advantage through the ALCS, which would only help Chisholm in his pursuit.
