CLEVELAND – A thrilling playoff encounter in October concluded with an electrifying moment, thanks to David Fry’s game-winning swing. The Cleveland Guardians stunned the New York Yankees with a 7-5 victory in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, sending a raucous sellout crowd at Progressive Field into a frenzy.
The game shifted dramatically in the late innings. The Yankees seemed to be cruising towards a commanding series lead when Aaron Judge tied the game with a two-run homer off closer Emmanuel Clase in the eighth, followed swiftly by Giancarlo Stanton’s go-ahead shot, making it 5-3 in favor of the Yankees.
However, in a stunning turn of events, the Guardians rallied in the ninth. With two outs and trailing, Jhonkensy Noel pinch-hit and delivered a two-run homer off Yankees closer Luke Weaver, leveling the game at 5-5 and reigniting the energy in the stadium.
In a nail-biting conclusion, David Fry’s decisive two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th off Clay Holmes secured the win for the Guardians, handing the Yankees their first setback in the series.
Reflecting on the game, the Yankees’ baserunning issues and missed chances were glaring. Despite their power displays, including Judge’s and Stanton’s crucial homers, the team faced scrutiny for not capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
The Guardians capitalized on their chances, with a run manufacturing effort in the sixth that followed a series of critical Yankees’ defensive lapses. The Guardians’ lineup, bolstered by effective pitching changes and timely hits, kept the pressure on throughout.
This game showcased the intensity and unpredictability of postseason baseball, as both teams exchanged leads and momentum swings, ultimately proving that the Guardians are very much alive in the series.