Following two electrifying games in Cleveland, the New York Yankees are just one victory away from their first World Series title since 2009. After taking two fairly straightforward games in the Bronx at the series start, the Cleveland Guardians made a fierce comeback at Progressive Field. They notched a stunning walk-off win on Thursday and rallied from an early deficit to tie the Yankees on Friday, though they ultimately couldn’t maintain their momentum in the ninth inning.
Will the Yankees clinch their spot? Can the Guardians force this series back to the Bronx? We’ll provide you with pregame predictions, live updates, and analysis, followed by our key takeaways after the final pitch.
New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians, 8:08 p.m. ET
New York leads series 3-1
Pitching matchup: Carlos Rodon (1-1, 4.66) vs. Tanner Bibee (0-1, 3.60 ERA)
Starting lineups
Yankees
Gleyber Torres (R) 2B
Juan Soto (L) RF
Aaron Judge (R) CF
Giancarlo Stanton (R) DH
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) 3B
Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
Anthony Volpe (R) SS
Austin Wells (L) C
Alex Verdugo (L) LF
Guardians
Steven Kwan (L) LF
David Fry (R) DH
Jose Ramirez (S) 3B
Lane Thomas (R) CF
Josh Naylor (L) 1B
Jhonkensy Noel (R) RF
Bo Naylor (L) C
Andres Gimenez (L) 2B
Brayan Rocchio (S) SS
What do the Yankees need to do to secure a World Series berth?
Jorge Castillo: A strong performance from Rodon is essential. In Game 1, Rodon delivered an outstanding outing, allowing just one run over six innings while striking out nine and generating 25 whiffs. Crucially, he managed his emotions well, having acknowledged it was a challenge during his ALDS start against the Kansas City Royals. He has stated he learned from that experience, which he will need to apply on the road for the first time this postseason.
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Bradford Doolittle: The Yankees boast more talent, so while nothing specific is required, their optimal approach remains unchanged: establish an early lead to force the Guardians into a reactive position, rather than getting caught in the challenges of protecting a lead against their bullpen. Bibee struggled in his Game 2 appearance and will be pitching on three days’ rest for the first time since college. By scoring a few early runs, New York can deflate the Guardians’ momentum significantly.
Buster Olney: They should keep swinging for the fences with a power-heavy lineup. Recently, Giancarlo Stanton has been taking early batting practice with a pitching machine to improve his timing and gauge pitch spin, particularly on sliders. Aaron Judge has joined him in this practice, and given how well both are performing, perhaps the whole Yankees squad will adopt this strategy.
What do the Guardians need to do to keep their hopes alive?
Castillo: They should aim to build a significant lead against Rod…
Should they rely on their A-side bullpen or give it a rest? A closely contested game would mean greater strain on their top relievers. We’ve already witnessed a decline from Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith. In Game 1, Rodon delivered a stellar performance, but the Guardians proved to be one of baseball’s top teams against left-handed pitchers throughout the regular season. They overcame Tarik Skubal, the best starter in the majors and a lefty, in Game 5 of the ALDS. They are certainly capable of scoring a few runs early on.
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Key points for each series: ALCS | NLCS
Doolittle: For Cleveland, the strategy contrasts with that of the Yankees—Bibee must perform at his best. He appeared frustrated after his brief outing in the first game, even though his performance didn’t warrant a longer leash. A chip on the shoulder can be beneficial in competitive contexts, so if he can deliver a few scoreless innings and the Guardians manage to score, they could tap into their bullpen. However, securing that run will be challenging if Jose Ramirez and/or Josh Naylor fail to step up.
Olney: The relievers need to regain their dominant form, as this has been the foundation for the Guardians throughout the season. Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith faced a total of 559 batters during the regular season, allowing just three home runs. Yet, in Games 3 and 4, Clase and Smith surrendered three homers to Giancarlo Stanton (2) and Aaron Judge (1). With little depth in the Cleveland rotation, the Guardians can’t achieve victory without stellar performances from their bullpen.
What has been the most impressive performance so far?
Castillo: Since Brad and Buster are likely to praise Stanton, I’ll focus on Gleyber Torres. The Yankees’ leadoff hitter has reached base in the first innings of all four games and seven of the team’s eight postseason matches. He singled in Game 1, doubled in Game 2, walked in Game 3, and singled again in Game 4. Juan Soto followed his single in Game 4 with a two-run homer, giving New York an early lead. For the most part, the Yankees have wasted early scoring chances, but Torres has consistently applied pressure.
Doolittle: Without a doubt, Giancarlo Stanton. Cade Smith rarely surrenders home runs, yet this version of Stanton managed to take him deep. Emmanuel Clase typically doesn’t allow homers; again, Stanton achieved that. He has filled the gap left by Judge’s dip in production.
Olney: Stanton has experienced numerous ups and downs during his tenure with the Yankees, facing injuries and persistent chatter from fans urging the organization to part ways with him. However, during the postseason, his performances have been consistently impressive, and in this series, he has taken on elite pitchers. With his home run in Game 4, he tied Babe Ruth and Aaron Judge for the most career postseason homers; his playoff slugging percentage exceeds .650. Simply remarkable.
Who wins tomorrow — and who takes the series?
Castillo: I predicted the Yankees would win in six games, so I’ll stick with that. The Guardians will find some success against Carlos Rodon in their second attempt, aiming to secure a trip to New York for Game 6 on Monday.
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Doolittle: Cleveland secures a narrow victory in Game 5, bringing the series back to Yankee Stadium. However, I still believe that New York will ultimately win the series. The Guardians have demonstrated remarkable resilience in an October where that quality has become a popular term. This determination will likely allow them to win at least one more game.
Olney: Consider Tanner Bibee to be the Guardian equipped with a headlamp; he stands as the sole player positioned to guide the team out of this 3-1 predicament. He must deliver an outstanding performance and provide the team with at least five or six innings, a feat he proved capable of during the regular season. Yet, Soto, Judge, and Stanton are now fully engaged, and I would be surprised if the Guardians manage to stretch this series to six games.
Live updates
Join us at game time for live updates and analysis of Game 5.
Yankees One Win Away from World Series: Game 5 Preview Against Guardians
Game Overview: The Stakes Are High
The New York Yankees are just one win away from securing their place in the World Series as they prepare to take on the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). This pivotal matchup promises to be an electrifying showdown, with both teams battling not just for victory but for a chance to compete for baseball’s ultimate prize. Fans are on the edge of their seats as the Yankees aim to capitalize on their momentum and secure a spot in the World Series.
Recent Performance of the Yankees
The Yankees have displayed a formidable combination of power hitting and strong pitching throughout the playoff series. Here’s a snapshot of their performance leading up to Game 5:
- Batting Average: .285
- Home Runs: 12 in the postseason
- ERA (Earned Run Average): 3.10
- Strikeouts: 45 in the last three games
Key Players to Watch
As the Yankees head into Game 5, several key players are stepping up to the plate. Here are some of the standout athletes to keep an eye on:
| Player | Position | Postseason Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Outfield | 4 Home Runs, 10 RBIs |
| Gleyber Torres | Infielder | .350 Batting Avg, 5 Runs |
| Gerrit Cole | Pitcher | 2 Wins, 1.50 ERA |
Guardians’ Challenges and Strategies
The Cleveland Guardians have shown resilience throughout the playoffs but face significant challenges going into Game 5. They will need to address the following areas:
- Offensive Consistency: The Guardians must find a way to generate consistent runs against the Yankees’ formidable pitching lineup.
- Defensive Adjustments: Improving their fielding efficiency is crucial to avoid giving the Yankees extra outs.
- Utilizing Their Depth: With a strong bench, the Guardians need to maximize their player rotation strategically.
Guardians’ Key Players to Watch
To turn the series around, the Guardians will rely on their key players:
| Player | Position | Postseason Stats |
|---|---|---|
| José Ramírez | Infielder | 3 Home Runs, 7 RBIs |
| Shane Bieber | Pitcher | 1 Win, 2.00 ERA |
| Andrés Giménez | Infielder | .290 Batting Avg, 4 Runs |
Game 5 Predictions and Expectations
The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the Yankees take the field at Yankee Stadium. It’s essential for fans and analysts alike to consider several factors that could influence the outcome of Game 5:
- Starting Pitcher Matchup: The Yankees are likely to start Gerrit Cole, who has been dominant. In contrast, the Guardians may counter with Shane Bieber, making this a classic pitcher’s duel.
- Home Field Advantage: The Yankees have an incredible track record at home, making it difficult for opponents to secure a win in the Bronx.
- Batting Performance: The Yankees’ lineup is hitting well, and they will look to continue their offensive surge against the Guardians’ pitching.
Historical Context: Yankees vs. Guardians
Historically, the Yankees and Guardians have had a competitive rivalry. The Yankees hold the upper hand in postseason matchups, which adds a layer of pressure on the Guardians. Here’s a brief overview of their playoff history:
| Year | Series Result |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Yankees won 3-1 |
| 2007 | Yankees won 3-0 |
| 2017 | Yankees won 3-2 |
Fan Engagement: How to Support Your Team
For dedicated Yankees fans eager to support their team, here are some practical tips:
- Wear Yankees Gear: Show your team spirit by donning jerseys, hats, and other merchandise.
- Social Media Engagement: Share your thoughts and excitement on platforms like Twitter and Instagram using hashtags like #Yankees and #ALCS.
- Watch Parties: Organize or attend watch parties with fellow fans to enhance the game day experience.
Conclusion
The stage is set for an exhilarating Game 5 as the Yankees look to clinch their spot in the World Series. With a potent lineup and strong pitching, they aim to overcome the Guardians’ challenge and continue their quest for championship glory. As the anticipation builds, fans can feel the excitement in the air, knowing that every pitch and swing could lead to a momentous victory.
