Rollercoaster Yankees' win over Rays has Giancarlo Stanton primed to make Red Sox pay

The New York Yankees have won five games in a row and seven of their last eight. They are leading the Wild Card picture by 1.5 games and are trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by only four games for first place in the AL East. While their Wednesday night triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays probably should have been easier, a win is a win.

This one started off with Cam Schlittler taking a perfect game into the seventh inning. Unfortunately, he ran into trouble by surrendering a leadoff single and then walking two more batters before Aaron Boone had to call on Luke Weaver. The Yankees were holding on to a 3-0 lead thanks to three solo homers from Trent Grisham (two) and Austin Wells.

Weaver got out of the jam, striking out the batter he faced on three pitches. He finished the eighth inning, too, but gave up a solo homer on a pitch that had no business being pummeled the way it was. He just got beat to the spot on a perfectly located fastball that was nearly impossible to come around on. Still, they were up 3-1 and the Rays didn't seem to have any offensive momentum in sight.

But then came the ninth inning. Boone called on David Bednar and fans perhaps got ahead of themselves considering how good the right-hander has been. In the blink of an eye, the lead was gone. Bednar walked Brandon Lowe, gave up a single to Junior Caminero, and then a two-run double to Hunter Feduccia (who is hitting .172 on the year). The game was going to extras.

Let the stress begin! Giancarlo Stanton, who did not get the start in this game as the Yankees had planned on resting him for the four-game Red Sox series this weekend, came on to pinch hit in the top of the 10th. He worked a full count, and then took Pete Fairbacks deep to left field with a majestic two-run homer. The Yankees tacked on another run to go up 6-3 (but not before controversy with Jose Caballero delayed the game for a moment). Thanks again, umpires and replay review!

Giancarlo Stanton continues hot streak vs Rays, just in time for Yankees vs Red Sox

What Stanton is doing right now is historic. His Yankees redemption arc has been objectively unbelievable, and him keeping this team afloat during their horrid stretch deserves even more credit than it's getting.

But wait! The Yankees almost blew it, again. Boone made the dreaded move to bring in Devin Williams in the 10th inning with a three-run lead. Immediately, Williams surrendered an RBI single and then a double to put the tying runs in scoring position, and fans were about to riot.

Never a doubt, though! Williams struck out the next three batters as he attacked the zone and perfectly placed his changeup to seal the victory. It was a massive confidence booster for the right-hander, and if he can harness that it could be crucial in turning around his reputation among Yankees fans.

Then again, the 3-0 lead that looked like the Yankees should coast to a win turned into a high-stress affair, and one that might not be favorable for Thursday night's opener against Boston. Schlittler was perfect through six innings, but the Yankees still ended up using three of their top relievers (all of whom threw 20 or more pitches).

The more positive takeaway, though? Stanton is seeing beach balls right now, and the timing couldn't be better with the Sox coming to town. The slugger absolutely crushes Boston for his career (.270 AVG, .835 OPS, 15 homers and 46 RBI in 78 games) and he's legitimately on his best offensive run since 2017 (when he won the NL MVP).

Not to mention, the Yankees tied an MLB record with 14 home runs in a two-game span, and that came after they scored 24 runs over three games in St. Louis last weekend. Could everything be finally coming together? Will Stanton's hot streak continue against his favorite opponent to mash against? The Yankees need to prove to the fans that they're up for the task, and a series win over their most hated rival will go a long way, especially because New York's current run hasn't exactly come against impressive opponents.

This is the best fans have felt in months, though, and the players are in prime position to kick Boston down the Wild Card standings and further distance themselves while keeping the Jays within reach. Toronto lost two out of three to the Pirates, so the Yankees' chance is now to make good on whatever the heck just happened from the end of May until about a week and a half ago.