Ultimately, the Guardians could present a formidable challenge to the Yankees during the ALCS.
However, that did not materialize in Game 1.
The Yankees didn’t dominate their latest opponent from the AL Central, but they capitalized on four wild pitches and managed to produce enough offense to ensure that Carlos Rodon’s brilliant performance was not in vain, resulting in a 5-2 victory over the Guardians on Monday night in The Bronx.
Carlos Rodon delivered a remarkable start to kick off the ALCS on Oct. 14, 2024. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Rodon rebounded impressively after his disappointing ALDS outing, pitching six innings of one-run ball, recording nine strikeouts (seven from his slider), and generating 25 swings and misses. He achieved his aim of maintaining composure, a crucial factor after struggling to do so against the Royals last week, setting a positive tone for the Yankees in the ALCS.
Despite their efforts, the Yankees were unable to break the game open, finishing 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position—bringing their postseason total to 6-for-42 across five games—but they did enough to secure the win.
Alongside solo home runs from Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees also took advantage of seven walks and scored three runs largely due to Guardians reliever Joey Cantillo—Cleveland’s own version of the Wild Thing—who hurled four wild pitches.
After Soto launched a homer off Alex Cobb to give the Yankees a 1-0 advantage in the third inning, the right-hander proceeded to walk three batters, leading to his exit from the game. Cantillo entered and threw two fastballs wildly, enabling Aaron Judge and Stanton to score from third, increasing the lead to 3-0. One of those runs occurred during Anthony Rizzo’s at-bat, who managed to go 1-for-3 with a walk in his return after fracturing two fingers 16 days prior.
Yankees celebrate their Game 1 victory in the ALCS against the Guardians on Oct. 14, 2024. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST
Returning for the fourth inning, Cantillo walked Gleyber Torres and then uncorked two additional wild pitches to Soto, allowing Torres to advance to third and score on Judge’s sacrifice fly, extending the Yankees’ lead to 4-0.
The Guardians finally got on the scoreboard against Rodon in the sixth inning when their No. 9 hitter, Brayan Rocchio, crushed an inside fastball for a solo home run, narrowing the margin to 4-1.
Despite the homer, Rodon avoided losing his rhythm—contrary to his ALDS performance when Salvador Perez took him deep—by retiring the top of the Guardians lineup in order to cap off his outstanding outing.
Joey Cantillo (right) struggled with control for the Guardians. Getty Images
On a night where Rodon notched a strikeout in five out of six innings, he had multiple occasions to show his emotions but opted to keep them in check, which ultimately played to his advantage.
Stanton later provided the Yankees with more breathing room in the seventh inning, smashing a massive home run that soared onto the back wall of the Guardians’ bullpen. The impressive 439-foot blast put the Yankees ahead 5-1, extending the veteran DH’s stellar postseason performance.
In the eighth inning, the Guardians responded against lefty Tim Hill, in part due to an obstruction call. With one out and a runner on first, Rocchio hit a ball off Rizzo’s glove and into right field. Rocchio collided with Hill, who was covering first base—both as he rounded the bag and when heading back. Hill successfully tagged Rocchio the second time, but umpires ruled obstruction against the pitcher, allowing Rocchio to advance to second.
Giancarlo Stanton hits a home run in the seventh inning. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST
Next up was Steven Kwan, who drilled a single through the left side, producing a run that trimmed the score to 5-2—the first earned run allowed by the Yankees bullpen this postseason.
Aaron Boone then summoned Luke Weaver for the five-out save, and he executed it perfectly, giving the Yankees a 1-0 series lead.
Yankees Edge Guardians 5-2 in ALCS Game 1 Behind Rodon’s Dominant Performance
Game Overview
In a thrilling opening matchup of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the New York Yankees emerged victorious against the Cleveland Guardians with a score of 5-2. The game showcased a remarkable performance by Yankees’ pitcher Carlos Rodón, who played a significant role in leading his team to a crucial win. This article delves into the key moments of the game, Rodon’s impressive stats, and what this victory means for the Yankees as they pursue another World Series title.
Key Performances
The standout of the game was undoubtedly Carlos Rodón. His dominant pitching was a critical factor in the Yankees’ success. Here’s a breakdown of Rodon’s performance:
- Innings Pitched: 7
- Strikeouts: 10
- Walks: 1
- Earned Runs Allowed: 2
- ERA: 2.57
Batting Highlights
The Yankees’ offense also stepped up, contributing to the team’s 5 runs. Key hitters included:
- Aaron Judge: 1 home run, 2 RBIs
- Giancarlo Stanton: 2 hits
- DJ LeMahieu: 1 run scored
Game Breakdown
The game started with both teams demonstrating strong defensive plays. However, the Yankees broke the deadlock in the 3rd inning with a powerful solo home run from Aaron Judge. This set the tone for the Yankees, as they built momentum throughout the game.
Scoring Summary
| Inning | Team | Runs | Key Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Yankees | 1 | Aaron Judge Home Run |
| 4 | Yankees | 2 | Stanton RBI Double |
| 5 | Guardians | 1 | RBI Single by Ramirez |
| 6 | Yankees | 1 | LeMahieu Groundout |
| 7 | Guardians | 1 | Homer by Naylor |
| 8 | Yankees | 1 | Judge RBI Single |
Rodón’s Impact on the Game
Carlos Rodón’s performance was pivotal in this ALCS Game 1. His ability to strike out batters while maintaining composure under pressure was remarkable. He showed exceptional command of his pitches and effectively used a mix of fastballs and sliders to keep the Guardians’ hitters off-balance.
Pitching Strategy
Rodón’s strategy included:
- Utilizing a high fastball to induce swings and misses.
- Employing breaking balls to confuse hitters’ timing.
- Maintaining a steady pace to keep the Guardians’ lineup on their toes.
Benefits of Rodón’s Performance for the Yankees
Rodón’s dominant outing not only provided the Yankees with a critical win but also set a positive tone for the rest of the series:
- Confidence Boost: A strong start from the ace pitcher increases team morale.
- Strategic Advantage: Winning Game 1 puts pressure on the Guardians to respond in Game 2.
- Pitching Depth: Rodón’s performance allows for better management of the bullpen in subsequent games.
Case Study: Previous ALCS Game 1 Victories
Historically, winning Game 1 of the ALCS has proven beneficial for teams in their quest for the pennant. Here are some notable examples:
| Year | Winning Team | Series Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Houston Astros | Won Series 4-3 |
| 2018 | Boston Red Sox | Won Series 4-1 |
| 2019 | New York Yankees | Lost Series 4-2 |
What’s Next for the Yankees?
With this victory, the Yankees look to build on their momentum in Game 2. They will aim to solidify their pitching rotation and maintain their offensive output. Key factors to watch for include:
- Game 2 Starting Pitcher: Who will be called upon to support Rodón’s strong start?
- Offensive Adjustments: Will the Yankees continue to produce runs against the Guardians’ pitching staff?
- Defensive Strategies: The Yankees must remain vigilant against the Guardians’ capable bats.
First-Hand Experience from Fans
Fans of the Yankees expressed their exhilaration following the game. Social media was buzzing with reactions:
- “Rodón was unreal tonight! Can’t wait for Game 2!” - A die-hard Yankees fan.
- “Judge’s power is something else. He’s the real deal.” – A baseball analyst.
- “This is why we love October baseball!” – A general fan of the sport.
Conclusion
The Yankees’ 5-2 victory over the Guardians in Game 1 of the ALCS showcased the brilliance of Carlos Rodón and the team’s overall strength. As the series progresses, the Yankees will look to build on this success, continuing to leverage their pitching prowess and offensive firepower. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the rest of the ALCS unfolds.
