CLEVELAND — The Yankees have faced numerous challenges this season, but after 15 years, they are finally returning to the World Series. Juan Soto, the hero of the hour, delivered a two-out, three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning, securing a 5-2 victory over the Guardians and the American League pennant. This dramatic game, the third in a row, was decided by the bullpens, with Soto, the Yankees' offseason acquisition, making the pivotal play.
Luke Weaver, fresh from his first career blown save in Game 3, closed out the final three outs, allowing the Yankees to celebrate their hard-earned win. Since their last World Series appearance in 2009, the Yankees had lost five ALCS, the last three to the Astros. This year, after an 82-80 season, they overcame the Royals in the ALDS and the Guardians in the ALCS, setting the stage for a World Series showdown against either the Dodgers or the Mets starting Friday.
Austin Wells ignited the 10th-inning rally with a full-count walk, followed by Alex Verdugo hitting a potential double play ball that was mishandled, allowing both runners to advance. Soto then faced a 1-1 count, fouled off four pitches, and launched a 95 mph fastball 402 feet for the decisive home run.
Giancarlo Stanton tied the game 2-2 in the sixth inning with a 446-foot home run, his fourth hit of the ALCS, all of which were home runs. Carlos Rodon's early exit forced the Yankees' bullpen to cover 16 outs, with contributions from Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill, and Jake Cousins bridging the gap to Weaver.
Leiter, who had delivered five crucial outs in Game 4, entered with runners on second and third, intentionally walked Jose Ramirez, and escaped the jam. After Stanton's home run, Leiter walked the leadoff man but induced a pop-up from Jhonkensy Noel. Aaron Boone then turned to Hill, who navigated a single and a double play to keep the game tied.
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