Historic sac fly lifts Yankees
NEW YORK — The first leadoff, walk-off sacrifice fly in major league history put the Yankees back in commanding position for a playoff berth with just over two weeks left in the regular season.
Yes, that’s right, Luke Voit LED OFF the 10th with a game-ending sac fly.
“It’s 2020, man. Things are weird, and you got to take advantage of what opportunities you get,” Voit said after the Yankees beat the Orioles 2-1 Saturday to extend their winning streak to four.
Thank this year’s rule calling for extra innings to start with a runner on second b a s e. DJ LeMahieu, who made the Yankees’ last out of the ninth, went to second and advanced when Hunter Harvey (0-2) bounced his first pitch off the mitt of catcher Pedro Severino to the backstop.
Voit, hitting in shadows that extended to just in front of the mound, worked the count to 2-2, fouled off three pitches and hit a 99-mph fastball to center field. Cedric Mullins made a backhand grab 335 feet from the plate and didn’t bother to throw as LeMahieu trotted home.
Voit, among the major league leaders with 37 RBIs, is used to the extrainning runner rule.
“Playing in the minors for four years, we have that same thing,” he said.
The Yankees started the shortened season 15-6, plummeted with a 5-16 funk and now is on their longest winning streak since taking six in a row from Aug. 11-17.
The Yankees opened a 41⁄ 2- game lead over the Orioles for the AL’s eighth and final playoff berth.