The Yankees’ 5-15 stretch seems like a lifetime ago. They are winners of seven straight games and decided to get Higgy with it on Wednesday as backup catcher Kyle Higashioka blasted three homers, leading the Bronx Bombers to a 13-2 win. To talk Higgy, the bats leading the way and everything going on in Yankees land, we bring you a brand new episode of the “Pinstripe Pod” with Chris Shearn and Yankees great Jeff Nelson.

We open the podcast with our “In The Paper” segment, diving into the biggest Yankees headlines. The guys start with their surprise in Higgy hitting three homers and waiting to see that kind of night from Gary Sanchez. They talk about the lineup coming together, guys coming back from injuries and the big turnaround. They discuss Gerrit Cole’s monster numbers so far in September and him living up to the billing for this team. Will no off days during playoff series hurt the Yankees, potentially not allowing Cole to pitch three games in a seven-game series? Shearn isn’t buying it just yet, saying he’s “seen this movie before” with this team. Nellie points to the Yankees having the playoff experiences some of these other playoff teams don’t have, but looks at playing in Los Angeles in the playoffs, where the ball doesn’t carry as much, potentially hurting them.

Diehard Yankees fan and legendary actor Chazz Palminteri then joins the show. Palminteri talks “A Bronx Tale” memories and the passing of Nick Cordero and how well he played the role on broadway. He also gets into the Yankees big turnaround this season, how good DJ LeMahieu is, Luke Voit being an MVP candidate and him missing being at the games in person. Palminteri shares some of his favorite Yankees memories over the years, his fandom and bringing a ball to a fan and son/daughter in the upper deck at games. He also gets into his Italian restaurant in Manhattan, his new one in White Plains and having the best steak, which can take care of our steak dinner bet.

Catch up on all episodes of “Pinstripe Pod,” a New York Yankees podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Chris Shearn on Twitter @ChrisShearnYES and Jeff Nelson @NYNellie43. The next episode of the podcast drops Monday.