Juan Soto’s three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning propelled the New York Yankees to a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), marking the Yankees’ return to the World Series for the first time in 15 years.
The Yankees, one of baseball’s most storied franchises, are set to make their mark on October’s grand stage once again.
Soto, who joined the team in a significant seven-player trade with the San Diego Padres last December, delivered a pivotal moment for the Bronx Bombers with a swing that changed the game’s momentum.
Now, the Yankees are poised to chase their 28th championship title, facing either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers, with Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) set for Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
In the decisive 10th inning, Austin Wells initiated the rally with a walk, while Alex Verdugo’s ground ball led to an error by rookie shortstop Brayan Rocchio, setting the stage for Soto’s heroics.
Despite being down in the count at 1-2, Soto launched a powerful shot over the center field wall, celebrating as he rounded the bases, a moment that encapsulated his confidence.
Reflecting on his mindset during the at-bat, Soto remarked, “I was just saying to myself, ‘You’re all over that guy. He ain’t got anything.’”
Giancarlo Stanton also contributed with a two-run homer, helping the Yankees secure the series against the Guardians in five games, though the path to victory was not without its challenges.
The Yankees began the series strong, winning the first two games at Yankee Stadium with relative ease. However, the atmosphere shifted in Cleveland, where all three contests were tightly contested.
The Guardians showcased their resilience by staging a comeback in Game 3, hitting two two-run homers in their final at-bats. The Yankees narrowly clinched Game 4 after relinquishing a four-run lead.
Despite the Guardians’ valiant effort under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, their season concluded without a World Series appearance, leaving the franchise still searching for its first title since 1948, the longest championship drought in baseball.
