Jorbit Vivas, a relatively unknown player for the Yankees, made a significant impact during the Subway Series on Sunday night, adding his name to the list of unsung heroes in this storied rivalry. In a pivotal eighth inning, Vivas engaged in an impressive 11-pitch at-bat which culminated in a critical throwing error by Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. This miscue allowed Jasson Domínguez to score the go-ahead run, ultimately leading to an 8-2 victory for the Yankees over their crosstown rivals.
Vivas entered the game at third base after Ben Rice pinch hit for Oswald Peraza, and with the score tied at 2-2 and runners on second and third, he faced a challenging situation against Mets reliever Ryne Stanek, who was throwing with remarkable velocity. After falling behind with two quick strikes, Vivas showcased his resilience by battling through multiple foul balls before grounding the ball to Alonso, who mishandled the throw as Domínguez raced home.
Cody Bellinger, who hit a grand slam later in the inning, credited Vivas’ at-bat as the pivotal moment that secured the win. “Vivas’ at-bat 100 percent won us that game,” Bellinger emphasized, highlighting the importance of Vivas’ contribution.
Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, praised Vivas for his composure during the at-bat, noting observable adjustments he made as the pitches progressed. “You could see his adjustment, like the third or fourth pitch in, you felt him settle in a little bit,” Boone remarked.
Vivas, who was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 2, had limited success at the plate prior to this game, holding a .167 batting average in 15 games since his promotion. However, his performance during this high-stakes match has forever etched his name in Subway Series history alongside other unheralded contributors.
Expressing his thoughts through a translator, Vivas said, “To be honest, I’m really just trying to make contact there and put the ball in play. He’s throwing 100 miles (per hour). So I don’t want to do too much, just help the team and put the ball in play.”
Vivas’ determination and tenacity serve as a reminder that every player can make a difference, no matter their experience level, and this series underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball that can lead to unforgettable moments.