|
 He also is getting a refreshed opportunity to appear in big spots
in pennant-race games down the stretch after spending the first
three months on a sub-500 team.
On Friday, Prado had his biggest night with his new team, ending a
tough at-bat with a two-out bases-loaded single in the bottom of the
ninth inning, lifting the Yankees to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago
White Sox.
"It's not the mechanics," Prado said after getting his fifth career
walk-off hit and first in nearly three years. "Sometimes you need a
refresher. Hitting early, I've always been a guy that likes to hit
because I want to be ready to hit."
After hitting a two-run home run in the third off Chicago starter
John Danks, Prado certainly was ready to hit when he stepped in
against hard-throwing right-hander Daniel Webb (5-4). He fouled off
three straight fastballs, was nearly hit by a 1-2 pitch and reached
a full count.
"Guys like that, it's just power pitching," Prado said. "You cannot
be too patient. They're coming right at you and I'm trying to put
the best swing (possible)."
On the seventh pitch, he gave New York its fourth win in 11 games
and fourth walk-off win of the year when he grounded a fastball up
the middle. After Suzuki scored, Prado was mobbed by teammates at
second base and given a Gatorade shower by left fielder Brett
Gardner while conducting his on-field postgame interview.
"I can describe it as one of the biggest moments in my career, not
personal-wise, but I'm talking just getting a win for the Yankees
means a lot for anyone," Prado said.
Added left fielder Gardner: "Just a great at-bat in the ninth
inning. It was a big win for us. It's the biggest win of the year
for sure."
Prado's big opportunity was set up by a leadoff single by Ichiro
Suzuki. With two outs, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was
intentionally walked and Webb also walked first baseman Mark
Teixeira after getting ahead 1-2.
The Yankees came back from a 3-0 deficit on Prado's third home run
as a Yankee and Ellsbury's game-tying double in the fifth. That came
after they left the bases loaded in the second and Prado's hit came
after the Yankees stranded two in the seventh.
David Robertson (2-4) pitched a perfect ninth for the win. That came
after Dellin Betances and Shawn Kelley combined on three scoreless
innings.
"He did an amazing job," Robertson said of Prado. "That last one was
unbelievable."
[to top of second column] |
The White Sox lost their fourth in a row and dropped to 4-11 in their last
15 games. They had 11 hits but were unable to score after first baseman
Jose Abreu's 33rd home run gave them a 3-0 lead just three batters into
the game
"We had chances early and get three runs in the first and not get any
more," Chicago designated hitter Adam Dunn said. "That's how you lose."
Abreu was 2-for-4 in his first trip to Yankee Stadium and second baseman
Carlos Sanchez had three hits in his first start in place of traded
second baseman Gordon Beckham.
Yankees rookie starter Shane Greene settled down after the Abreu home
run and allowed three runs and nine hits in five-plus innings. Danks
allowed three runs and six hits while also going five-plus innings.
NOTES: The White Sox called up 2B Carlos Sanchez and he batted second in
the order a day after Gordon Beckham was traded to the Angels. ... White
Sox 1B Jose Abreu met a sizable media contingent before the game and
among the things he discussed was Rusney Castillo, who signed a
seven-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. "We played together when we
were growing up and coming up for the national team," Abreu said. "He's
a guy that has a lot of tools. As we call it, he's a five-tool player
and as long as he stays mentally tough, he's going to do some good
things." ... Yankees DH Carlos Beltran was held out of his third
straight game with right elbow pain, though he tested it by taking some
swings before the game. ... Yankees SS Derek Jeter gave a press
conference to Spanish media members and among the things he said was
that he would rather be an owner than a general manager or manager.
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