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Yankees Top 19 Games since 2000: No. 15, Alex Rodriguez's walk-off home run beats Red Sox

01/06/2019 11:00 AM ET
By Mike Daniello
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Alex Rodriguez's home run off Junichi Tazawa in the 15th inning broke a scoreless tie. (AP)

To kick off 2019, we're unveiling our count of the Yankees' 19 best games since 2000. Historic feats, classic comebacks and postseason glory all find their way onto the list with an obvious No. 1 coming Jan. 20.

Let's continue with No. 15, Alex Rodriguez's walk-off homer against the Red Sox.

It was a magical season for the Yankees in 2009 and an August home game against the rival Red Sox made it feel like a postseason matchup. The Yankees and Red Sox somehow matched zeros for 14 innings before Alex Rodriguez ended the game with a two-run home run. It was a pitcher's duel from start to finish and showcased two of MLB's best teams.

A.J. Burnett threw a gem, allowing just one hit and striking out six batters over 7 2/3 innings. Unfortunately for him and the Yankees, Josh Beckett was just as impressive as he gave up four hits and struck out seven batters in seven innings. Little did the fans know, the game was only about halfway finished when the two exited.

Phil Hughes, Mariano Rivera, Alfredo Aceves, Brian Bruney and Phil Coke combined to allow just three hits and struck out eight batters in 7 1/3 innings of relief of Burnett. It was an impressive performance by the Yankees bullpen to hold a Red Sox team, which at the time was just five games back, off the board.

The Yankees did threaten a few times throughout the game but couldn't push any runs across. They had multiple runners on base and less than two outs in the third, fifth and the 14th innings but were unable to score off the Red Sox.

That all changed in the 15th inning as Junichi Tazawa entered his second inning of relief. Tazawa had allowed runners in the 14th but managed to escape unscathed.

Derek Jeter led off the 15th inning with a single to center field. Johnny Damon popped out trying to bunt Jeter over, and then Mark Teixeira struck out swinging, leaving a potential 16th inning just one out away.

Rodriguez had other ideas, however, ultimately sending the Bronx faithful home happy. After Tazawa fell behind in the count, 2-1, A-Rod crushed a hanging breaking ball to break the scoreless tie.

The Stadium erupted and Rodriguez enjoyed one of his finest moments in pinstripes. The fans who stayed and those watching got their big moment after five hours and 33 minutes of action (or lack thereof). A pitcher's duel, a dominant bullpen performance and a dramatic walk-off home run over the rival Red Sox -- Yankees fans got their money's worth that day.

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Also See ...

  • Yankees Top Games: Record comeback
  • Yankees Top Games: A-Rod beats Mets
  • Yankees Top Games: Rivera's 500th save

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