Cabrera has become a trusted face in pressurized situations, coming through when the Yankees need it most. Of Cabrera's 23 RBIs this season, nearly half (11) have either tied the game or put the Yankees in the lead in the seventh inning or later.
Fans worldwide voted Cabrera the Major League Baseball Clutch Performer of the Month for May, Presented by Pepsi.
On the night of May 15 at Yankee Stadium, it was Cabrera who came through with a two-out, bases-loaded single off Twins closer Joe Nathan in the ninth inning, pumping his fists in the air as his teammates crowded him on the basepaths.
"The fact that I had a chance to be in the position to help the team, I really felt good," Cabrera said. "[The fans chanting] helped my confidence, and I was just ready to do what I had to do."
It has happened time and time again, so much that radio man John Sterling has had to bust out his "Melk-man delivers" call on five occasions for walk-off moments authored by the 24-year-old Cabrera, who has only been unsuccessful at one thing -- dodging post-game whipped cream pies.
Cabrera's three walk-off hits this season are the most by a Yankee in a single season since Claudell Washington, who had four in 1988, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
"What can you say about Melky?" first baseman Mark Teixeira said. "He's always coming through for us."
Cabrera's year didn't look to start out with this much drama. He lost a Spring Training battle with Brett Gardner to be New York's Opening Day center fielder and was essentially regarded as a spare part until Gardner lost his grasp on the job.
But Cabrera crushed a walk-off home run on April 22 to boost the Yankees to a 9-7, 14-inning victory over the Athletics, then got the hit off Nathan on May 15 to cap a three-run rally in New York's 5-4 win.
Nine days later on May 23, Cabrera came through again, connecting on a game-winning single to topple Phillies closer Brad Lidge in a 5-4 decision.
This season, Cabrera is batting .452 (14-for-31) with two home runs and 12 RBIs in close-and-late situations: defined as the seventh inning or later, with the batting team ahead by one run, tied, or with the tying run on base, at bat or on deck.
Go Melky!! Keep it ON.
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