Guardians Stun Yankees with Thrilling Comeback in ALCS
In a heart-stopping finish, the Cleveland Guardians rallied to defeat the New York Yankees 7-5 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series. Trailing 5-3 with one out remaining, rookie pinch-hitter Jhonkensy Noel blasted a game-tying homer in the ninth inning, setting the stage for David Fry’s walk-off two-run shot in the 10th.
A Stunning Turn of Events
The Guardians seemed destined for defeat after Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton hit back-to-back homers off closer Emmanuel Clase in the eighth inning, putting the Yankees up 5-3. But Noel’s towering homer off Luke Weaver with two outs in the ninth breathed new life into the Progressive Field crowd.
Fry’s Heroics Seal the Win
In the 10th, Bo Naylor singled and Brayan Rocchio sacrificed, setting up Fry’s dramatic walk-off blast. The Guardians’ dugout erupted in celebration as Fry rounded the bases, capping an instant October classic.
A Season of Defying Odds
The Guardians have made a habit of overcoming adversity this season, and Thursday’s comeback was no exception. With their World Series drought stretching back to 1948, the team remains determined to make history.
Judge and Stanton’s Power Surge
Aaron Judge, the likely AL MVP, broke out of his postseason slump with a two-run homer off Clase in the eighth. Giancarlo Stanton followed with a solo shot, putting the Yankees up 4-3. But the Guardians’ resilience ultimately proved too much for New York.
Clase’s Rare Off Night
Emmanuel Clase, the AL’s saves leader, was tagged for three runs in the eighth, including Judge and Stanton’s homers. The outing marked a rare blip on Clase’s otherwise dominant season.
A Familiar Foe
The Guardians and Yankees are no strangers to each other in the postseason, with Thursday’s matchup marking their 30th meeting. The series continues Friday, with Cleveland looking to tie the series at 2-2.
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