HERO
Raul Ibanez delivered a pinch-hit solo homer with one out in the ninth inning off Jim Johnson to tie the game and then homered again in the 12th to win it. Ibanez has proven to be an excellent clutch hitter in his first season with the Yankees. None of his previous key hits, though, were as big as the ones last night.
ZERO
Jim Johnson gave up the homer to Ibanez that tied the game. It was the second time in three games the Baltimore closer surrendered a costly homer in the ninth, after Russell Martin drove a ball into the left field seats in Camden Yards in Game 1 that sent the Yankees to victory. Last night’s homer may prove to be even more deflating for the Orioles.
KEY PLAY
Joe Girardi deciding to pinch-hit for Rodriguez with one out in the bottom of the ninth and the Yankees trailing by a run. The benching of Rodriguez — whom Girardi defended earlier in the day and placed third in the lineup — led to Ibanez’s heroics, as he hit two solo homers to give the Yankees the lead in the series.