CLEVELAND – An exhilarating playoff game in October unfolded in Cleveland, culminating in a thrilling victory for the Guardians thanks to a powerful swing from David Fry.
In a dramatic conclusion, Fry launched a two-run homer off Clay Holmes in the bottom of the 10th inning, handing the Yankees a 7-5 loss in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series before an ecstatic sellout crowd at Progressive Field.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically during the eighth and ninth innings. After a period of quiet, the Yankees displayed their strength with a late-game comeback against Emmanuel Clase, one of MLB’s top closers in 2024.
Aaron Judge initiated the rally with a game-tying two-run homer off Clase in the eighth, followed by Giancarlo Stanton’s go-ahead shot. The Yankees seemed poised to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
However, the Guardians refused to back down. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Jhonkensy Noel tied the game with a no-doubt, two-run homer off Yankees closer Luke Weaver, bringing the Progressive Field crowd back to life.
The Yankees faced critical missed opportunities throughout the game, reminiscent of their struggles on the base paths. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the need to manage Weaver’s workload, given his frequent appearances in the postseason.
After a shaky start, Weaver managed to retain control, striking out Fry to end the eighth inning with the Yankees ahead 4-3. However, in a surprising turn of events, a bobbled grounder allowed Anthony Volpe to advance from first to third, leading to a sacrifice fly from Gleyber Torres, extending the Yankees’ lead to 5-3.
Meanwhile, Cleveland had been relying heavily on its bullpen. Hunter Gaddis and Clase were pivotal figures, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their power in crucial moments.
The tension carried into the ninth inning, where Cleveland’s resilience shone through. Despite early missteps by the Yankees, such as an error by Anthony Rizzo, they still managed to keep the game tight until the final moments.
Cleveland’s pitching was also a significant factor, as they worked effectively to limit the Yankees’ potent lineup. The Guardians’ offensive spark ultimately proved decisive, and Fry’s dramatic home run sealed a stunning comeback victory for the team, leveling the series and setting up an intense showdown ahead.