Yankees Defeat Guardians 5-1 in ALDS Finale to Advance to the ALCS

(Photo via nypost.com)

NEW YORK, NY

On Monday night, Game 5 of the ALDS was set to be played in New York. Except for the second time in the series, the game was called off due to inclement weather. The game was going to be started by Aaron Civale for the Guardians and Jameson Taillon for the Yankees. With the game being moved to Tuesday afternoon, the Guardians stuck with Civale. However, the Yankees turned to their #2 starter Nestor Cortes for the start of the game. Game 5 was a win-or-go-home matchup for both ballclubs.

Civale Struggles

In the first inning of the game, Aaron Civale could not get control of his pitches. He started off the inning with a 4-pitch walk, followed by a hit-by-pitch two batters later. New York’s slugging designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton made Civale pay by sending a 3-run homer to right field. The Yankees bounced Civale early on and the Guardians had to turn to their bullpen quickly. 

 

 

New York Pitching Dominates

With Game 5 being postponed from Monday night to Tuesday afternoon, it gave the Yankees pitching staff another much-needed day of rest. It allowed Nestor Cortes the chance to start the game on short rest. Cortes made the most of his outing. He gave up just 1 run in 5 innings of work for the Yankees. New York then turned to their bullpen who gave them 4 innings of shutout baseball. The Guardians went 0-6 with runners in scoring position on Tuesday. They failed to make the most of their opportunities.

 

Cleveland’s Cinderella Year

Even though the Guardians did not reach the World Series or even the ALCS, this year will be one to remember. The Guardians came in the year looking to rebuild after re-signing Jose Ramirez to a 7-year contract extension just days before the season started. Throughout the year, 17 players made their MLB debuts with Cleveland. Many of the players made the postseason roster. The club defied all odds given at the start of the season by winning the AL Central. They then went on to sweep Tampa Bay in the Wild Card series. The youngest team in baseball played a 92-win season and gave their fans an incredible year. Cleveland baseball fans, this is just the beginning of a new era. Buckle up and enjoy the ride for years to come.

Pitching Lines:

Cleveland Guardians:

Aaron Civale (loss): 0.1IP, 2H, 3ER, 1BB, 1K

Sam Hentges: 1.2IP, 1H, 1ER, 1BB, 2K

Trevor Stephan: 2.1IP, 1ER 1BB, 4K

James Karinchak: 2.1IP, 3H, 3K

Emmanuel Clase: 1.1IP, 1BB, 1HBP, 2K

New York Yankees:

Nestor Cortes (win): 5IP, 3H, 1ER, 1BB, 2K

Jonathan Loaisiga: 2IP, 3H, 2K

Clay Holmes: 1IP, 2K

Wandy Peralta: 1IP, 2H, 1K

Game 1 ALCS

With the Yankees moving on, they will travel to Houston to take on the Astros in the ALCS. Game 1 is set to be played Wednesday night at 7:37PM on TBS. The Astros will send their ace Justin Verlander to the mound, while New York will wait to make an announcement on their starter.