The New York Yankees are headed back to the World Series!
Thanks to a spectacular three-run homer by Juan Soto in the 10th inning, the Yankees clinched a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday. With a record 27 World Series titles, the Yankees haven’t made it to the big game since they last won in 2009.
The Dodgers are currently leading the series against the Mets, 3-2.
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Giancarlo Stanton also contributed to the Yankees’ success with a home run, extending his incredible month of October. Over the five-game series, Stanton recorded four hits, all of which were homers, driving in seven runs and earning three walks. He was named the series MVP.
Soto’s performance was equally impressive—he hit three home runs, drove in six runs, and boasted a .368 batting average (7 for 19) in the series. Together, Soto and Stanton accounted for 7 of the Yankees’ 10 home runs, leading the team to outscore the Guardians 29-20 throughout the series.
The Yankees now sport a 7-2 postseason record after ending the regular season with the best record in the American League at 94-68. It’s a remarkable comeback, especially after missing the playoffs entirely last year, breaking a streak of six consecutive appearances.
This marked the Guardians’ first ALCS since 2016, when they made it to the World Series but fell just short against the Chicago Cubs, leaving them still chasing their first title since 1948.
In the decisive game, Guardians reliever Hunter Gaddis faced a tough break. After allowing Soto’s homer, Gaddis had not given up an earned run but took the loss. The inning unraveled after a routine ground ball led to an error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio, extending the inning for the Yankees.
After Gaddis struck out Gleyber Torres, Soto stepped up, battling through several foul balls before hitting a high fastball 402 feet for the game-winning blast.
Soto finished with three hits, Torres added two, and Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver wrapped up the game with two scoreless innings.