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Giancarlo Stanton been "old reliable" for Yankees not just in these playoffs, but in almost every post-season series in which he's appeared since 2018.  16 home runs in 36 games -- a faster pace than such Bronx icons as the Babe, Reggie or the Mick -- including the game tying-bomb Saturday night when the Yanks closed out those gritty and talented Guardians.  While fans often find fault with his injuries and slumps during the regular season, Stanton has the knack of finding that extra gear once the calendar flips to October.

(Below;) How about some applause for Luis Gil, who remains the Yankees Overachiever of the Year.  Coming off two lost seasons after Tommy John surgery, he stepped into the rotation at the beginning of the year after Gerrit Cole's injury and went on to win 15 games.   After not starting for three weeks, he was fresh and ready, working the first four innings of Friday night's pivotal game four, controlling Cleveland's bats at the start of another wacky game that, of course, wasn't decided until the end.


Dialing up October 2012 in the Time Machine: another memorable post-season moment authored by a different player wearing #27.  That's Raul Ibanez walking off the Orioles in game three of the ALDS.  The sweet swing that produced a victory, followed by the joyful reception when he reached home plate.


 

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