The New York Yankees capitalized on Cleveland All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase’s struggles, scoring two runs in the ninth inning to secure an 8-6 victory over the Guardians. This win gives New York a commanding 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series.
Gleyber Torres delivered a crucial RBI single, while the Yankees took the lead following an error from shortstop Brayan Rocchio, who mishandled a grounder from Alex Verdugo.
It was a turbulent ninth inning for Clase (0-2), who, despite being recognized as one of baseball’s elite relievers this season, faltered for the second consecutive game.
New York’s offense found success against the right-hander, recording three singles in the ninth. Clase had previously given up back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning of Game 3 but managed to escape further damage when the Guardians hit two two-run homers in their final at-bats.
Giancarlo Stanton’s three-run homer and Juan Soto’s two-run shot highlighted the Yankees’ offensive performance, putting them one win away from their 41st World Series appearance, with Game 5 set for Saturday.
The Guardians are now on the brink of elimination for the second time this postseason. After overcoming the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS, they must win three consecutive games, including two at Yankee Stadium, to break their 76-year World Series drought.
For the second night in a row, New York’s bullpen faced late-game pressure. Cleveland managed to score three runs in the seventh, one in the eighth, and threatened in the ninth by placing two runners on base.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone turned to Tommy Kahnle to secure the final three outs, and the right-hander successfully closed out the game, a feat that had eluded New York’s relievers the previous night.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Yankees: Right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton suffered a significant calf injury, leading to his removal from the ALCS roster in favor of Mark Leiter Jr. Hamilton sustained the injury while covering first base during the sixth inning of Game 3 and will be ineligible for the World Series if the Yankees advance. Boone considered adding lefty Nestor Torres but opted to allow him more time to recover from an elbow strain.
UP NEXT
Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón will make his second start of the series following an impressive Game 1 performance, where he allowed just one run and three hits while striking out nine over six innings. He will face Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee, who was pulled after only 39 pitches in Game 2 and will take the mound on three days’ rest.
