In one of the best playoff games in recent memory, the Cleveland Guardians shocked the New York Yankees 7-5 in 10 innings in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
It was a game that had virtually everything. Unfortunately for Yankees fans, it always had the near-impossible happen: a Luke Weaver collapse.
The Guardians rallied behind two pivotal two-run home runs – Jhonkensy Noel’s game-tying blast with two outs in the ninth inning and David Fry’s walk-off shot in the 10th.
In a game filled with momentum shifts, Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the devastation of the loss, but still described it as an “amazing game to witness,” even though the Bombers came up short.
“Playoff baseball, both sides just kept coming with haymakers and big at bats … They outlasted us tonight. Sucks losing like that obviously, but kind of a classic game. We’ll be ready to roll tomorrow,” Boone said.
The Yankees initially found themselves down 3-1 in the eighth inning but fought back when Aaron Judge smashed a clutch two-run homer off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase to even the score.
With two strikes and two outs, Judge’s home run electrified the Yankees and set the stage for Giancarlo Stanton’s solo shot that gave them a 4-3 lead.
New York added to its advantage in the ninth when Gleyber Torres’ sacrifice fly brought Anthony Volpe home, pushing the lead to 5-3.
Yankees closer Luke Weaver then took the mound, needing just three outs to secure the win and give the Yankees a near-insurmountable 3-0 series lead.
However, the Guardians responded. Jose Ramirez led off with a single, but after a double play erased Cleveland’s momentum, Lane Thomas came within inches of a home run, hitting a double off the top of the center field wall.
Pinch-hitter Jhonkensy Noel then delivered a massive, game-tying two-run homer to left field, stunning the Yankees and their lights-out closer.
In extra innings, the Yankees had a chance to strike back but were stopped by a brilliant defensive play from Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez.
Jazz Chisholm hit a high chopper that seemed destined to bounce over Gimenez’s head, but the infielder made a stellar grab and throw to first baseman Josh Naylor, keeping the game tied.
Two batters later, Volpe struck out, ending the Yankees’ threat.
In the bottom of the 10th, Bo Naylor started the inning with a single and moved to third after a sacrifice bunt from Brayan Rocchio and a groundout by Steven Kwan.
With a chance to be the hero once again, David Fry, pinch-hitting for Kyle Manzardo, stepped up and launched a two-run home run to seal the Guardians dramatic 7-5 victory.
The Yankees are the Dallas Cowboys of Major League Baseball. While they have the largest fanbase in the sport, they also have the largest amount of haters. You either love or hate the Yankees. There can be no in-between.
This is why last night’s dramatic finish sent social media into an absolute frenzy…
“Clay Holmes blows another one, Yankees loose. Absolute BULLSH*T, I never want to see Clay in a game past the 6th inning ever again. He can’t handle the pressure & is just unbelievably bad in those situations.”
“No way Yankees just lost that.”
“ARod: “The Yankees have an easy road to the World Series”
Cleveland:…”
“and yankees fans wonder why everyone hates them.”
“All ima say to the Yankees is be thankful cause if you let these mother f*ckers find their head space and get hot. YOU. ARE. COOKED.”
“I love it when Clay Holmes comes in for the Yankees!!” -Papelbon!
“All time moments for Judge and Stanton just completely wiped from history.”
“Why Yankees why.”
“The Yankees hit back to back home runs off the best closer in baseball and the Guardians WON … Something tells me this Cleveland team is going to be talked about for years to come.”
“The Guardians makes us PROUD being a Cleveland FAN!!!… unlike the pathetic lowly Browns.
GO GUARDS!!!!”
“Yankees VS Guardians Game 3 a short story…”
With the victory, the Guardians narrowed the Yankees lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled for tonight in Cleveland, with first pitch set for 8:08pm EST.
What are your thoughts on the instant classic?
Will the Yankees bounce back tonight and take back full control? … Or will the Guardians strike again to even up the series???