In a thrilling marathon game at Yankee Stadium, Kyle Higashioka, the longest-tenured player in the Yankees’ organization, had a taste of walk-off glory that he had longed for throughout his career. Higashioka’s game-winning double in the 13th inning sealed the Yankees’ dramatic 4-3 victory over the Brewers, marking their sixth walk-off win of the season, per MLB.com.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying incredible resilience and determination. For most of the afternoon, the Yankees found themselves frustrated and unable to solve Corbin Burnes, who held them hitless through eight innings. Fortunately, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole matched Burnes with eight scoreless innings of his own.
Milwaukee kept the Yankees hitless through nine innings, then through the 10th, and even a 10th-inning collision between Brewers’ outfielders Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer didn’t stop their defensive prowess. Frelick made a sensational catch near the right-field wall to deny Anthony Volpe of a potential game-winning hit.
The Yankees seemed destined to be on the losing end of a historic moment when Oswaldo Cabrera broke the no-hitter in the 11th inning with a game-tying run-scoring double. The Brewers were on the verge of recording the first 11-inning no-hitter in AL/NL history when Cabrera intervened.
Despite facing a two-run deficit in the 12th inning, Giancarlo Stanton crushed a game-tying two-run homer into the Bombers’ bullpen, breathing new life into the Yankees. This set the stage for Higashioka’s walk-off heroics in the 13th inning.
As Higashioka drove the ball into the outfield for a game-winning double, he was swarmed by his teammates, including Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, who eagerly attempted to remove his jersey in the celebratory chaos.
The game encapsulated the resilience and tenacity of the Yankees, who were no-hit for the majority of the contest before staging an incredible comeback. Cole’s historic performance, which included his 200th strikeout of the season, added to the drama of the game.
Cole’s impressive outing solidified his status as a Cy Young Award contender. He lowered his ERA to an AL-leading 2.79 and became the first Yankee to record 200 or more strikeouts in three seasons. Cole’s contributions were celebrated by his teammates, including Higashioka and special advisor Andy Pettitte, who marveled at Cole’s pitching prowess.
As the Yankees navigate the final stretch of the season, they look to build on the character-revealing moments like this marathon victory. Higashioka’s walk-off hit was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the team’s determination and fighting spirit.
