The Yankees triumphed over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series with a 5-2 victory on Monday night.
Highlights from Monday’s Game:
Juan Soto Hits His First Postseason Homer with the Yankees
In the initial innings, the Yankees consistently threatened against Guardians’ starter Alex Cobb but struggled to secure a key hit. By the third inning, they had left four runners on base and were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. It seemed like another frustrating evening was in store, but Juan Soto altered the game’s momentum in the third inning.
Soto, leading off the inning, belted a 94 mph sinker over the center field wall, marking an impressive feat on a chilly autumn night in The Bronx and igniting the Yankees’ offense.
“It got us on the board because at that point he was the 11th batter or so. We had a lot of good at-bats, we had traffic, had six baserunners but had nothing to show for it,” manager Aaron Boone stated post-game. “So for him to break through and get us on the board and then we continued to have good at-bats from there.”
The Yankees capitalized further in the third inning, adding two more runs thanks to wild pitches, and later on, they tacked on another two runs. This offensive outburst provided ample support for starter Carlos Rodon, who delivered an excellent performance with nine strikeouts and only one run allowed over six innings.
Anthony Rizzo’s Return
Anthony Rizzo returned to first base on Monday, contributing solidly for the Yankees. He went 1-for-3 with a walk and displayed his usual defensive prowess. Although lifted in the ninth inning for Oswaldo Cabrera, Rizzo’s return was a positive sign.
Boone explained the substitution: “Rizzo’s good. Hand was good. I thought he was sharp, which is good to see,” he said. “He was just physically and emotionally spent there late in the game, and I felt like I needed to get him out of there. He hasn’t been on the field in over two weeks. He came out good with the hand, expect him in there tomorrow. Thought he had some really good at-bats.”
Boone anticipates Rizzo being in the lineup for Game 2, pending how the veteran feels.
Giancarlo Stanton’s Continued Dominance
Giancarlo Stanton added another home run to his postseason tally on Monday, launching a 439-foot shot into left-center field. This home run, his second of the postseason, capped off the Yankees’ scoring in Game 1 and highlighted Stanton’s critical role in October.
“Some kind of presence in the middle of our lineup there. That’s what he’s capable of,” Boone said about Stanton. “That ball is absolutely nailed on a cold night hitting the back of the bullpen there. He just missed one in his first AB…just stacking quality ABs and when he does that, he’s capable of hitting one like he did tonight.”
Stanton has been exceptional this postseason, going 7-for-19 (.368) with two home runs and five RBIs, along with a stolen base. This performance contrasts sharply with his regular season, where he hit just .233. Stanton attributes his postseason success to intense focus.
“Just hyper-focus,” Stanton explained. “I understand how important each pitch, each moment is. I understand that you’re not always going to be successful in those moments, but anything I can do, any bit of information, of video, or swings I can do to be in my best spot in this moment.”
The Yankees look to continue their momentum as they prepare for Game 2, buoyed by standout performances and the return of key players.
