Yankees' chemistry on display with potential rally-starting Camilo Doval pitch tipping

Hell of a ninth.

New York Yankees v San Francisco Giants
New York Yankees v San Francisco Giants | Brandon Vallance/GettyImages

With the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth inning, Alex Verdugo was forced into an uncomfortable situation, facing both Blake Snell and reliever Erik Miller in the same at-bat due to an abrupt injury departure. No matter; he cracked a two-run double down the line, turning to the Yankees' dugout mid-sprint to energize his teammates as he raced to first. That fire (and the impressive mid-at-bat adjustment) represented something the Yankees have sorely lacked for years.

Somehow, it wasn't even the game's most impressive manifestation of chemistry.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Yankees seemed unlikely to capture a sweep, and most fans were likely content with a third straight West Coast series victory. Giants All-Star closer Camilo Doval and his 102 MPH heat represented a difficult challenge at any hour, but approaching the late afternoon against the bottom of the Yankees' lineup? Last year's team would've been packed and ready for the plane.

This year's group? Somehow, a (rejuvenated?) Gleyber Torres got the ball rolling with a leadoff single before Jose Trevino legged out a fielder's choice. He scored on a smashed Anthony Volpe triple and, upon scoring, delivered a message to Aaron Judge.

Presumably, Judge also gave Juan Soto a similar hat tip, as the Yankees proceeded to go game-changing homer/walk/RBI Giancarlo Stanton double to snag and extend their unlikely lead.

Yankees stars rally after potential SF Giants Camilo Doval pitch tipping?

Did Doval have a tell? Were the Yankees perceptive enough to pass something down the line, or did they just masterfully get in the closer's head?

Even if you know a 100+ MPH fastball is coming on the inside corner, boring into your hands, it's still nearly impossible to hit. Volpe's feat of ridiculous strength -- and Trevino's hustle -- might've fired this team up as much as any insider knowledge.

Either way, the Yankees' ability to keep the line moving in the type of pressurized moments that would've sunk most other teams is impressive enough. The way they were able to create doubt in Doval's all-powerful right arm, setting up a leaky fastball to Soto? Even moreso.

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