Yankees One Game Away from First World Series Appearance Since 2009
The New York Yankees are one step away from the promise land. After years of discouragement, being bounced out of the postseason time after time by their rival Houston Astros, the Bronx Bombers have just nine innings left to play in order to become American League Champions as New York closed out Cleveland 8-6. If the Yankees become victorious, it would be their first American League Pennant since their World Series championship appearance in 2009. While many hoped to see a Subway Series World Series, we’ll most likely be getting one of the most classic matchups in baseball history with the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. It all depends on if New York can close their American League Championship Series on the road Sunday night.
At the top of the first inning, Juan Soto crushed a two-run home run to right center field to give the Yankees an early lead. A half inning later, Cleveland would cut the deficit in half as José Ramírez hit a sacrifice fly. In the top of the second, Yankees catcher Austin Wells blasted a solo shot to center field to make it a 3-1 ball game. An inning and a half later, Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor lined an RBI single to left field. New York would try to run away with this Game Five as in the top of the sixth, Giancarlo Stanton mashed a three-run home run to left field making it 6-2. Stanton becomes the second Yankee in their historic franchise to hit four or more home runs in multiple postseasons.
Cleveland was down by four runs but it didn’t stop their drive to win this game. Ramírez hit an RBI double down the right field line during the bottom of the seventh. Just a batter later, Naylor cranked a two-run double to right-center field, cutting the lead to now 6-5. Guardians pinch hitter David Fry tied the game up with an RBI single. During the top of the ninth, Yankees left fielder Alex Verdugo hit an RBI infield single to give the Bronx Bombers the lead. The next batter, second baseman Gleyber Torres extended New York’s lead with an RBI single to center field. Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle sealed the game in the bottom of the ninth, pushing New York’s series lead to 3-1.
New York’s starting pitcher Luis Gil pitched four innings, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three batters. Stanton went one for four at the plate with three RBIs while Soto also went one for four with two RBIs. For Cleveland, starting pitcher Gavin Williams pitched two and one third inning allowing three runs on three hits while striking out four. Naylor went two for five with three RBIs while Ramírez went two for three with two RBIs. The Guardians used eight pitchers during this Game Five loss. Using their best starter during this Game Six elimination game may be wise.
