CLEVELAND – The New York Yankees faced a challenging situation in their bullpen during Game 4 of the AL Championship Series, with manager Aaron Boone attempting to conserve closer Luke Weaver’s energy after a heavy playoff workload.
Despite sporting a comfortable four-run lead, the Yankees saw their advantage diminish to just one run in the seventh inning and then a tie in the eighth. With one out in the ninth, Weaver began to warm up, but it was Tommy Kahnle who ultimately secured the Yankees’ victory with a critical save, navigating a tense situation with runners on first and second.
The Yankees secured their position one win away from their first World Series appearance since 2009, triumphing 8-6 in front of 35,263 fans at Progressive Field. Giancarlo Stanton made a significant impact, driving in three runs with a homer that widened the Yankees’ lead during a crucial sixth inning. Juan Soto also contributed with a two-run blast in the first, aiming to regain momentum after a heartbreaking loss to the Guardians the previous night.
Carlos Rodon is set to take the mound for Game 5 of the ALCS on Saturday night as the Yankees inch closer to clinching the pennant.
Breaking down the game:
The Yankees took back the lead in the ninth with an 8-6 score. A crucial error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio allowed a run to score, alongside a sharp single by Gleyber Torres that brought another runner home.
The Guardians’ closer, Emmanuel Clase, struggled as the Yankees opened the ninth with runners in scoring position. Following a key out by Mark Leiter Jr., who faced a tough moment with a bobbled comebacker from David Fry, the score tied at 6-6 in the eighth. Despite the mix-up, Leiter managed to secure a strikeout to end the inning.
With Kahnle warming up, Boone’s strategic decisions were all the more critical amid a depleted bullpen. Mark Leiter Jr. stepped in following Gil’s departure after a solid outing against Cleveland’s lineup.
Stanton’s three-run homer was a highlight, paving the way for a 6-2 lead by the sixth inning. His powerful batting continued to make waves in the postseason.
The fifth inning showcased Tim Hill’s efficiency after a rocky start from starter Luis Gil, who had walked several batters and struggled early but ultimately made it through five frames.
As the game progressed, all eyes were on Kahnle, who ultimately took the big save opportunity, illustrating Boone’s shifting reliance on his bullpen in high-stakes moments.
Ahead of Game 5, the Yankees are in a strong position, bolstered by the return to form of key players and the depth of their bullpen, despite recent injuries. The upcoming game is set for 8:08 p.m. on TBS and truTV, promising to be another thrilling chapter in the playoff series against the Guardians.