The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians are poised for a decisive game five on Saturday evening, marking the third consecutive matchup in Cleveland. The Yankees hold the series lead at three games to one, having narrowly escaped another Cleveland comeback on Friday night before sealing the victory in the ninth inning. The anticipated pitching duel will see Yankees’ left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon (16-9, 3.96) face off against Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47). The first pitch is set for 8:08 pm EST.
Yankees Aim for Series Clincher with Rodon
The New York Yankees experienced a smooth start to the series, winning the first two games decisively at Yankee Stadium. However, the two recent games in Cleveland have been far more challenging. On Thursday night, the Yankees squandered a 5-3 lead with two outs in the ninth and ultimately lost in extra innings. Then, on Friday, after taking a 6-2 advantage, they once again watched the Guardians rally to tie the game before the Yankees managed to pull ahead in the final inning. Despite the tense moments, Glaybor Torres delivered a crucial single in the ninth after an error helped to extend the inning. Giancarlo Stanton’s three-run homer earlier in the game provided much-needed breathing room for New York.
In game five, the Yankees look to Carlos Rodon to secure the series win. Rodon delivered a strong performance in his first postseason outing, allowing just one run and striking out nine Guardians over six innings. His season has been marked by inconsistency; although he began the postseason with promise, his earlier outings included a struggle where he couldn’t finish the fourth inning. On the road this season, Rodon has faced challenges, posting a 7-7 record with an ERA nearing 5.00. He’s allowed 96 hits in 94 innings, with opponents hitting .261 against him outside Yankee Stadium.
Guardians Place Hope in Bibee
The Cleveland Guardians faced a reality check in game four against the Yankees. After a dramatic comeback the night before, which included a pinch-hit two-run homer from Jhonkensy Noel, the Guardians fell short, losing 8-6 and facing elimination. They managed to tie the game after trailing 6-2, but closer Emmanuel Classe struggled again in the ninth, contributing to their defeat. Classe, who was a standout closer during the regular season, now has a playoff ERA of 10.29 after two blown saves and two losses.
With their season on the line, the Guardians will rely on Tanner Bibee in game five. Bibee had a rough outing in game two at Yankee Stadium, lasting only 1.1 innings while giving up five hits and three runs, two of which were earned. His regular-season record of 5-4 came with a 4.15 ERA on the road. Although he pitched on short rest, he only threw 33 pitches in his last game, which could leave him with fresh arms for this crucial matchup. The Guardians require a more extended performance from Bibee, especially after utilizing eight pitchers in game four.
Key Insights for Yankees vs. Guardians Game Five
The Guardians have shown remarkable tenacity and should be expected to battle hard to extend the series back to Yankee Stadium. Bibee, positioned to take the mound in game five, has been regarded as the team’s ace despite a less than stellar outing in game two. His limited pitch count in that game may work to his benefit, making him a potentially strong presence on the mound. The Yankees, with Rodon, have seen mixed results throughout the season, particularly away from home, where his ERA nearly touches 5.00. The Yankees’ recent performance suggests a rollercoaster of outcomes, with Rodon coming off a strong game one. The Guardians have found their rhythm at home and will aim for one more significant performance to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their ability to exploit weaknesses in the Yankees’ bullpen has been evident in the last two games, and while the Guardians’ bullpen has held up well overall, the struggles of closer Classe may impact their strategy. Cleveland’s resilience has been a hallmark of their season, and they will seek to showcase that one last time in game five.
