CLEVELAND — When Brian Cashman, the general manager, was asked on Friday how he viewed the late-game theatrics of Game 3 in the ALCS, he didn’t hold back.
“It was a mess,” Cashman stated candidly.
Thus, the Yankees opted to wipe the slate clean, even as Game 4 threatened to let disappointment strike once more.
Just a day after enduring a heartbreaking loss in ten innings, the Yankees regrouped and narrowly escaped with an 8-6 victory over the Guardians at Progressive Field on Friday night. Alex Verdugo’s timely grounder proved decisive in Game 5 on Friday evening. Jason Szenes / New York Post
Jon Berti etched his name in the record books when he scored the winning run for the Yankees during ALCS Game 5. Jason Szenes / New York Post
After watching their depleted bullpen squander a 6-2 advantage, the Yankees came through with a rally in the top of the ninth against Emmanuel Clase, securing two runs before Tommy Kahnle sealed the victory, putting the Yankees ahead 3-1 in the ALCS and on the brink of making their first World Series appearance since 2009.
“Every lead is vulnerable,” said Giancarlo Stanton, who launched a three-run homer in the sixth that gave the Yankees their cushion. “They’re a formidable team, but it’s crucial to keep the pressure on. It’s a reminder that we need contributions from every player on our roster, and today, everyone answered the call. It’s a journey with ups and downs.”
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (L) reacts after teammate Tommy Kahnle secures the final out in ALCS Game 4. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST
Emmanuel Clase showed his frustration during the Guardians’ loss to the Yankees on October 18, 2024. Getty Images
Following a night where Luke Weaver and Clay Holmes surrendered two-run homers in the ninth and tenth innings, respectively, the Yankees’ bullpen faced the challenge of recording 15 outs and managed to do so, albeit narrowly.
Aaron Boone worked diligently to avoid overusing Weaver, who had pitched three out of the last four days. Nevertheless, he called upon Holmes and Tim Hill multiple times, as well as recently-added Jake Cousins and Mark Leiter Jr., to finish strong.
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“It might not have been perfect, but it was a gritty, tough win,” Boone remarked.
Despite Anthony Rizzo dropping a crucial catch from Leiter in the bottom of the eighth that allowed the tying run to score with two outs, he led off the ninth with a single against Clase and was replaced on the bases by Jon Berti.
Anthony Volpe then followed with a sharp single, placing runners on the corners.
A crucial moment arrived when Alex Verdugo connected with a weak ground ball to shortstop Brayan Rocchio, who couldn’t field it cleanly. Nonetheless, Berti was primed to score from third base for the 7-6 lead.
Gleyber Torres contributed with an RBI single, providing some cushion as the Yankees found their rhythm against Clase once more.
In the bottom half of the ninth, Kahnle found himself in a tight spot with two runners aboard, prompting Boone to warm up Weaver for a potential last-minute call before Kahnle decisively closed out the game himself.
“After the emotional rollercoaster of yesterday’s loss, you have to focus on what’s next,” Kahnle reflected, having thrown five outs on 26 pitches the previous night. “These games carry significant weight, so you must let go of the past and strive for the win.”
Giancarlo Stanton celebrates following the Yankees’ crucial victory over the Guardians on October 18, 2024. Jason Szenes / New York Post
The Yankees enjoyed a glow of triumph after their Game 4 success. Jason Szenes / New York Post
Juan Soto launched a two-run homer in the first inning, and Austin Wells added a solo shot in the second, establishing a 3-1 lead for the Yankees before the Guardians tightened the score ‌to 3-2 against Luis Gil, who returned after nearly a three-week hiatus.
Stanton’s decisive three-run blast extended the Yankees’ lead to 6-2 in the sixth, only to watch as it slowly dwindled away.
Three runs were scored against Cousins and Holmes in the seventh, while Leiter averted disaster, managing to escape the inning while still ahead.
However, in the eighth inning, trouble arose for Leiter when David Fry hit a grounder directly back to the mound.
Mark Leiter Jr. mishandled the ball, scrambling after it before tossing it to Rizzo, who was unable to secure the catch, resulting in the tying run crossing home plate.
Despite this setback, the Yankees quickly regrouped and countered in the ninth inning against Clase, who had been rock solid as a closer during the regular season but had now faltered in consecutive games.
“The Guardians managed to battle back, and we had a chance to escape the inning, but they caught us back up. Now, we were left facing one of the top pitchers in the game,” Aaron Judge noted. “You could let that deflate you, but this team showed resilience and came back swinging.”
“It exemplifies the character and toughness we possess within the team.”