Chris Carter Makes the Difference

Turning around what had been a frustrating night -- where he'd struck out all four times at bat -- Chris Carter smacked a three-run home run in the top of the 9th to push the Astros past the Yankees 7 - 4 in the Bronx. Carter's been hot during the second half of the season. Just named American League Player of the Week, he leads the majors with 17 home runs since July 1st. And Yankee closer David Robertson had already backed himself into a corner, walking two straight batters and then fell behind 3 balls, no strikes before delivering the decisive pitch to Carter.
(This image is from July 2013 against the Orioles in Baltimore.)
Odd thing about last night's game -- Robertson wasn't in a save situation. The game was tied 4 - 4 after eight innings. How many times have you noticed a closer being off his form working when they wouldn't be able to save a game -- only keep it even?


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