MLB

Yankees’ Swisher plans on bouncing back in ALCS

These days, it’s pretty good to be Nick Swisher.

Sure, the Yankees right fielder is in the midst of another October vanishing act, with just two hits in 15 at bats in the ALDS victory over the Orioles, but he is teammates with Alex Rodriguez.

Because there’s not much spotlight left when it comes to postseason failure other than the one that’s on Rodriguez, Swisher was able to celebrate as the Yankees advanced to the ALCS to face the Tigers by beating Baltimore 3-1 last night in The Bronx.

“I feel great at the plate,” said Swisher, standing in front of a table in the victorious clubhouse filled with bottles of champagne, wearing a pair of goggles while Rodriguez celebrated briefly and then retreated to a back room. “This is a total team effort.We pick each other up.”

BOX SCORE

Starting tonight, Swisher will have another opportunity to repay the likes of Raul Ibanez, Derek Jeter and Russell Martin, among others, who picked him up against the Orioles.

Yesterday, after Ibanez singled in Mark Teixeira for the game’s first run, Swisher promptly hit into a double play to put the brakes on a potential rally against Baltimore starter Jason Hammel.

“It’s not about individual stats,” said Swisher, who went 0-for-5 in the Game 5 win. “It’s about wins and losses.”

Swisher, on his way to free agency, has batted .211 or lower in six of his seven postseason series since joining the Yankees.

But he remains optimistic that’s going to change.

“We get to start a new series and start over [tonight],” Swisher said. “That’s what it’s all about.”