Additional Coverage:
- Yankees get to Guardians closer Clase for 2 runs in 9th, win 8-6 to take 3-1 ALCS lead (newsbreak.com)
The New York Yankees rallied in the ninth inning to defeat the Cleveland Guardians 8-6 on Friday night, taking a 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series.
Despite a tough loss the previous night, the Yankees showed resilience, scratching out two runs in the ninth inning off All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase. The Guardians, facing elimination, will need to win three straight games to advance to the World Series.
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton hit a three-run homer, while Juan Soto and Austin Wells also homered. The Guardians tied the game in the eighth inning, but a fielding error in the ninth inning allowed the Yankees to take the lead.
The Yankees bullpen struggled in high-leverage situations, but Tommy Kahnle was able to close out the game with three changeups.
The Guardians now face an uphill battle, but manager Stephen Vogt expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back. The series continues on Saturday night with Carlos Rodón starting for the Yankees and Tanner Bibee for the Guardians.