Alfonso Soriano ties MLB record with 18 RBIs in four games
When the New York Yankees reacquired Alfonso Soriano in a trade with the Chicago Cubs back on July 26, they did so hoping the 37-year-old veteran would give them the presence they had been sorely lacking from the right side of the plate.
For a little perspective on just how badly manager Joe Girardi needed that pop in his lineup, the Yankees had not received a home run from a right-handed batter dating all the way back to June 25. That was eventually snapped by Derek Jeter in his second return game on July 28. Later the same afternoon, Soriano would connect for his first home run since his return, but his next 12 games were anything but spectacular as he hit only .159 with two home runs and four RBIs in 44 at-bats.
Historically, Soriano is a streaky hitter who runs extremely hot or extremely cold, rarely staying in between for too long. That can be both maddening and exhilarating as one swing is sometimes all it takes to turn the tide. Luckily for the Yankees, the one swing that turned him around in a positive direction (a two-run homer) came during Tuesday night's 14-7 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, and since then Soriano's the results has been, well, historical.
That continued in Friday night's 10-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox when Soriano went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs. That raised his four-game totals to 13 hits in 18 at-bats with five home runs and a major league record-tying 18 RBIs (along with Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Jim Bottomley, Tony Lazzeri and Sammy Sosa) Yes, that's exactly one RBI per at-bat, which is possible when you've come through with six straights hits with runners in scoring position, including a grand slam and two three-run homers.
But wait, there's more:
Via @eliassports - Alfonso Soriano is 1st player in MLB history with 12 H, 18 RBI in a 4-game span
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 17, 2013
Alfonso Soriano is 4th Yankees player to have 4 straight games w/ 3 H, RBI. Others: Lou Gehrig, Steve Kemp, Johnny Damon
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 17, 2013
Alfonso Soriano has hit 9 HR since the ASB. The rest of the Yankees combined have hit 11 (including tonight).
— YCPB (@cantpredictball) August 17, 2013
So how does Soriano go about explaining his historic tear.
"I'm trying to enjoy my time now here with the Yankees," said Soriano. "I think it's motivation; coming back to the Yankees to try to help the team to win. That's what is most important."
Motivation never hurts, and neither does timing.
Sure, Soriano's numbers were going to be ridiculous this week regardless of how those around him were hitting, but given the numerous opportunities he's had to drive in more than one run, it's clear his teammates are finally producing as well. That bodes very well for the Yankees in the short term — or at least as long as Soriano's rolling — and perhaps even the long term if they can collectively level off their production closer to this week's than the six weeks leading in.
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