The New York Yankees are the favorites to beat the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS, and they’ve shown exactly why.
The Yanks won Game 1 of the series, 4-1.
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The Guardians got on the board first when Stephen Kwan hit a solo home run in the third inning off Gerrit Cole, who gave up the second most home runs in all of baseball this year. Cleveland also loaded that inning with 1 he out and set up for a big hit. But Cole induced a fielder’s choice at home and a strikeout to get out of the jam, from which he coasted. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing just one run with eight strikeouts, four hits, and one walk to finish the night.
Harrison Bader, who the Yankees acquired at the trade deadline, tied the game with his own solo shot in the bottom of the third. In the fifth inning, Josh Donaldson hit a home run as he thought he gave the Yanks a 2-1 lead. However, the ball hit the top of the short porch and a confused Donaldson was tagged out at first base. But the Yanks quickly made up for it – Isaiah Kiner Falefa’s next batter singled, an error by right fielder Oscar Gonzalez moved them to third, and Jose Trevino’s sack fly gave the Yanks the lead. I got
In the sixth, Cal Quantrill walked leadoff hitter Aaron Judge, but instead Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run shot to give the Bombers a 4-1 lead.
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Jonathan Rousiga scored the equalizing goal after Cole was sent off to a standing ovation, but Amed Rosario ended the threat with a 6-6-3 double play, leaving José Ramirez on deck. The Guardians also made a double play in the eighth inning, killing all hopes.
The Yankees’ bullpen have been a big question mark going into this postseason, plagued with injuries all season (they just lost Scott Efros to Tommy John surgery on Tuesday) and an inconsistent year. However, Roai Shiga, Wandy Peralta and Clay Holmes combined for 2.2 scoreless innings.
The Guardians have scored just four runs in three postseason games so far. All due to home runs.
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Game 2 is currently scheduled for Thursday night, but it remains to be seen if it will go ahead as scheduled on Friday as the weather in the Bronx is not expected to be great.
Nestor Cortez will give the Yanks another gem and look to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Meanwhile, 2020 AL His Psych His Young Award winner Shane Bieber will look to give Cleveland a much-needed win on the road.