The New York Yankees are on the cusp of reaching the World Series for an astounding 41st time after a heart-stopping 8-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. In a game filled with late-inning drama, the Yankees rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth to stun the Guardians and their home crowd, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Guardians’ Clase Falters in the Ninth
Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland’s All-Star closer and one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, took the mound in the ninth inning looking to preserve a 6-6 tie. However, the usually unhittable right-hander struggled for the second straight night, allowing three singles and committing a costly throwing error that allowed the go-ahead run to score.
Gleyber Torres delivered the tying RBI single, and Alex Verdugo’s grounder to shortstop Brayan Rocchio resulted in an error that allowed Torres to score the eventual winning run. It was a stunning turn of events for Clase, who had been nearly untouchable throughout the regular season.
Yankees’ Big Bats Come Through
Earlier in the game, the Yankees’ sluggers provided the fireworks. Giancarlo Stanton launched a mammoth three-run homer, while trade deadline acquisition Juan Soto added a two-run blast of his own. Stanton, who has a knack for delivering in the postseason, spoke about the team’s focus after the game:
“Just getting it done. [Clase] is as tough as it comes to score runs off of. Putting it in play is the most important.”
– Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton also emphasized his desire to win a championship, stating, “I want a ring. Anything I can do to help us win, and this was a big step. But much more work to do.”
Guardians on the Brink
For Cleveland, the loss puts them in a precarious position. They must now win three straight games, including two at Yankee Stadium, to keep their World Series hopes alive and end a championship drought that dates back to 1948. The Guardians have already rallied from the brink of elimination once this postseason, coming back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.
Yankees’ Bullpen Holds On
As they did in Game 3, the Guardians mounted a late comeback, scoring three runs in the seventh and one in the eighth to tie the game. However, unlike the previous night, Yankees manager Aaron Boone turned to Tommy Kahnle, not Luke Weaver, for the final three outs. Kahnle managed to navigate the ninth, stranding two runners and securing the crucial victory.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
The Yankees will have the opportunity to clinch the series and their first World Series berth since 2010 in Game 5 on Saturday. With momentum on their side and their potent lineup firing on all cylinders, New York appears poised to end Cleveland’s magical run and move one step closer to a 28th World Series championship.
As for the Guardians, they find themselves in a familiar position – backs against the wall, needing to win to keep their season alive. If they hope to pull off another stunning comeback, they’ll need their young stars to step up and their pitching staff to find a way to contain the Yankees’ powerful bats.
Regardless of the outcome, this ALCS has been a thrilling showcase of two talented teams battling until the final out. With the Yankees on the cusp of history and the Guardians fighting for their postseason lives, Game 5 promises to be another must-watch affair in a series that has already delivered its fair share of unforgettable moments.
