In a three-game series, the second day holds a lot of significance. It decides the direction of the game sequence and might mean a total loss or a chance at victory. The New York Yankees lost the series opener to the San Diego Padres but saved the second game. And a huge part of that victory was due to utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

After struggling throughout 2022, Kiner-Falefa lost fans’ respect. Many wanted the Yankees to trade him after a subpar performance at the beginning of the 2023 season. But the 28-year-old has turned things around lately. Performing in different positions, IKF has delivered one stunning performance after another. And his recent heroics clinched a victory for his team.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa delivers a game-winning walk-off hit

By the ninth inning, the Yankees and Padres were head to head at 2-2. Then in the tenth, Kiner-Falefa ended the game with a walk-off hit as the ball slid just out of Rougned Odor’s grasp. The Yankees bullpen immediately emptied onto the field with IKF’s teammates crowding around him in joy.

Right after he hit the ball, the utility player started to cover his bases before he realized he didn’t need to. Even Yankees manager Aaron Boone was impressed. “Whatever role it’s been in, he’s worked his tail off to acclimate himself to it and be ready for it,” he said. “And now he’s gotten some more starts lately. You get him in matchups where you feel like he can be really successful and he’s done a really nice job here for us.”

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The crowd roared for the win, and the sentiment translated to Twitter as well.

Kiner-Falefa is starting to hit it off with New York Yankees fans

Bronx fans are often called a league of their own because of their combined passion for the game. They will give the cold shoulder to anyone who repeatedly fails to perform for the team, as became the case with Isiah Kiner-Falefa. But now that the utility player has given a consistently outstanding performance, he’s back in their good books.

One fan thinks IKF may just save the Yankees’ season.

Some fans admitted they hadn’t always thought the best of Kiner-Falefa but that they’re warming up to him now.

The Padres and Yankees now stand at one win each; today’s game will decide who takes the series.

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