(Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees haven’t played their best baseball to start the 2023 season.
However, they remain above the .500 mark and right in the thick of the postseason chase despite sitting in last place in the American League East.
On Saturday, the team picked up an important 3-2 win over the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Usually, Clay Holmes is the one nailing down saves for the Yankees.
But on Saturday, it was someone different.
Right-hander Ian Hamilton was called upon to close things out.
The 27-year-old did just that, earning his first career save.
After the game, Hamilton was overcome with happiness, and with tears of joy in his eyes, he discussed his first career save.
Ian Hamilton emotional after his first career save pic.twitter.com/1TxHkznNIi
— YankeesMuse (@YankeesMuse) May 6, 2023
Hamilton was asked if he felt extra adrenaline when he took the mound for the ninth inning and responded that he certainly felt more than usual in such a key spot.
The right-hander said that by staying in the moment and focusing on the task at hand, he was able to quell that extra adrenaline and find a way to come through for the Yankees when he was needed.
Hamilton did not expect to be used in the ninth inning, but expressed his gratitude towards manager Aaron Boone for having the confidence to put him on the mound in such a key spot.
The young right-hander also revealed that he had a little closing experience, having performed the task during his college days.
Hamilton says he hopes to find himself in more high-leverage situations in the future.
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