Despite a tough loss the day before, the Yankees managed to score two runs in the ninth inning against All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase. This victory over the Cleveland Guardians, with a final score of 8-6 on Friday night, gave the Yankees a 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series.
An RBI single by Gleyber Torres allowed New York to take the lead after shortstop Brayan Rocchio made an error on Alex Verdugo's grounder.
The ninth inning was chaotic for Clase (0-2) as the top reliever in baseball struggled for the second consecutive night.
Giancarlo Stanton hit a three-run homer, while Austin Wells also went deep with a home run. The party was kicked off by Juan Soto with a two-run home run for the Yankees in the opening inning. Winning Game 5 on Saturday night could lead them to their 41st World Series appearance.
On consecutive nights, New York's relief pitchers failed to protect a late lead. The Guardians managed to score three runs in the seventh inning, one in the eighth, and posed a threat in the ninth by placing two runners on base.
In the end, pitchers Mark Leiter Jr. and Tommy Kahnle prevented further runs in the final two innings, helping the Yankees secure a crucial victory as they pursue their 28th World Series Championship.
The Guardians are facing possible elimination in the playoffs for the second time. Despite a comeback against Detroit in the ALDS, they must now win three games in a row, including two at Yankee Stadium, to have a chance at ending their 76-year World Series drought.
Yankees left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón will be making his second start of the series in Game 5 following a solid performance in Game 1. He is set to pitch against Guardians' right-hander Tanner Bibee.
American League Championship Series
Yankees lead 3-1
Monday 10/14/- Game 1: NYY 5, CLE 2
Tuesday 10/15/- Game 2: NYY 6, CLE 3
Thursday 10/17/- Game 3: CLE 7, NYY 5 (10 INN)
Friday 10/18/- Game 4: NYY 8, CLE 6
Saturday 10/19/- Game 5 at 8:08 pm (ET) - NYY at CLE
Monday 10/21/- Game 6 at 5:08 pm (ET) - CLE at NYY (*)
Tuesday 10/22/- Game 7 at 7:38 pm (ET) - CLE at NYY (*)
(*) - If necessary
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