In a dramatic Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 8-6. The victory was sealed by a late-game rally, capitalizing on costly mistakes by the Guardians. With this win, the Yankees now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead and are just one victory away from their first World Series appearance since 2009.
A Ninth-Inning Collapse Costs the Guardians
The game was deadlocked at 6-6 heading into the top of the ninth inning, setting the stage for a tense finish. Cleveland brought in their closer, Emmanuel Clase, to keep the Yankees at bay, but the pressure mounted quickly. Anthony Rizzo and Anthony Volpe led off with back-to-back singles, immediately putting runners on base.
The turning point came on a routine play. Alex Verdugo hit a grounder to shortstop Brayan Rocchio, but a critical fielding error allowed the go-ahead run to score. This mistake was a devastating blow for a Guardians team that had fought hard to tie the game.
Following the error, the Yankees added a crucial insurance run.
- Jon Berti scored the go-ahead run on Rocchio’s error.
- Gleyber Torres followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 8-6.
- Yankees closer Tommy Kahnle shut the door in the bottom of the ninth to secure the save.
The sequence symbolized a night of missed opportunities and late-game execution issues for Cleveland.
Stanton’s Homer Shifts the Momentum
Earlier in the game, a massive home run from Giancarlo Stanton completely changed the dynamic. In the sixth inning, with the Yankees holding a slim 3-2 lead, Stanton stepped to the plate with two runners on. He connected on a fastball from reliever Cade Smith, sending it soaring over the left-field wall.
Stanton’s three-run blast gave the Yankees a 6-2 advantage, providing what seemed like a comfortable cushion at the time. The homer was a major blow to the Guardians’ bullpen, which struggled to contain New York’s powerful hitters throughout the game.
Key Performances and Bullpen Woes
While Stanton provided the power, several other players had significant contributions. Anthony Rizzo was a consistent presence on the basepaths, and his single in the ninth was instrumental in starting the game-winning rally. However, the game also highlighted the struggles of both bullpens under playoff pressure.
Cleveland’s Cade Smith, who had been excellent in the postseason, was tagged for three earned runs in the sixth. For the Guardians, closer Emmanuel Clase couldn’t hold the line in a tie game, a rare blemish on his otherwise stellar season.
| Player | Key Stats |
|---|---|
| Giancarlo Stanton (NYY) | 3-run home run, 2 hits |
| Anthony Rizzo (NYY) | 2 hits, scored key run in 9th inning |
| Cade Smith (CLE) | 2 IP, 3 ER, 1 HR allowed |
Even after falling behind 6-2, the Guardians showed fight, rallying for three runs in the seventh inning to make it a one-run game before eventually tying it up.
Guardians Face Elimination in Do-or-Die Game 5
With their backs against the wall, the Guardians now face a must-win situation in Game 5 on Saturday. Their season hangs in the balance as they turn to rookie pitcher Tanner Bibee to keep their World Series hopes alive. He will face off against Yankees veteran Carlos Rodon.
For the Yankees, the path is clear. They will look to carry the momentum from this thrilling victory into Game 5 and clinch the American League pennant. A win on Saturday would send them back to the World Series, a stage they have been aiming to reach for over a decade.
