Juan Soto’s powerful homer during New York’s impressive three-run third inning, along with Carlos Rodón’s first postseason victory, propelled the Yankees to a 5-2 win against the Guardians on Monday night in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series. This victory marked a significant start for the Yankees as they chase a record 41st AL pennant.
Cleveland’s pitching struggles were evident, as they became only the second team in postseason history to throw two run-scoring wild pitches in a single inning, tying a record with a total of five wild pitches throughout the game. Guardians pitchers issued six walks during a nine-batter span, contributing to their downfall.
Giancarlo Stanton also made headlines by hitting his 13th career postseason homer, further solidifying his reputation in October baseball. The Yankees have demonstrated a keen eye at the plate, accumulating 36 walks over their five postseason games thus far.
Rodón bounced back from the Yankees’ sole loss in the Division Series, showcasing his skills by limiting the Guardians to just two singles before Brayan Rocchio’s homer in the sixth inning. His performance was a key factor in the Yankees’ success.
Steven Kwan provided a glimmer of hope for the Guardians, extending his postseason hitting streak to a team-record 11 games with an RBI single in the eighth inning off Clay Holmes, narrowing the score to 5-2.
Luke Weaver entered the game during a critical moment with runners at the corners. He struck out pinch-hitter Will Brennan and retired José Ramírez on a groundout before closing the game with three consecutive strikeouts after a leadoff walk in the ninth, securing his fourth save of the postseason.
Looking ahead, Game 2 is set to take place at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. Historically, teams that win the opener in a 2-3-2 series format have triumphed 66 times out of 99.
In front of a sellout crowd of 47,264, which notably included pop star Taylor Swift, Soto made his mark by hitting his first postseason homer for New York, driving a high slider from Alex Cobb into the Yankees’ bullpen in right-center.
Cobb, making his first playoff appearance in 11 years, struggled early, walking the bases loaded in the third inning. Rookie reliever Joey Cantillo compounded the issues with two run-scoring wild pitches.
Cantillo’s four wild pitches tied him for second-most in a postseason game, just one shy of the record set by Rick Ankiel in 2000. The only other instance of a team scoring twice on wild pitches in a postseason inning occurred back in 2002.
Rodón’s ability to strike out nine batters while walking none was a highlight, as he recorded 25 misses among 53 swings, matching the fourth-most misses in a postseason game since pitch-tracking began in 2008. His pitches were so effective that catcher Austin Wells had to make three throws to first base for strikeout putouts.
Cobb’s playoff record fell to 0-2, as he struggled through just 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, five hits, and three walks while throwing only 36 of his 65 pitches for strikes.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Yankees: Left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, who is dealing with a flexor strain in his pitching elbow, is scheduled to throw a second bullpen session on Wednesday. He remains a possibility for the World Series roster if the Yankees advance.
UP NEXT
Yankees right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to make his third postseason start on Wednesday after a strong showing against Kansas City in the Division Series clincher. He holds a 1-0 record with a 3.00 ERA this postseason. RHP Tanner Bibee will take the mound for the Guardians, boasting a 2.08 ERA without a decision in two Division Series starts against Detroit. Bibee faced the Yankees once at Yankee Stadium in May 2023, allowing two runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision.
