Carlos Rodon successfully led the New York Yankees past the Cleveland Guardians, starting the American League Championship Series on a high note. In a crisp mid-October evening at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees secured a 5-2 victory in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.
Rodon pitched six solid innings, conceding only one run from Brayan Rocchio’s solo homer, allowing three hits, walking no batters, and striking out nine. The Yankees capitalized on the struggles of Cleveland’s starter, Alex Cobb, chasing him early in the game.
Luke Weaver played a pivotal role, earning a five-out save by shutting down a late-game threat from the Guardians, particularly in the eighth inning, which had the crowd of 47,264 on their feet, chanting his name.
The Yankees kicked off the third inning with a solo homer from Juan Soto, contributing to a three-run frame. Aaron Judge added a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, marking his first RBI of the playoffs, while Giancarlo Stanton hit a powerful solo homer in the seventh inning that provided additional security for the Yankees.
Rodon left the game with a solid lead, having thrown 93 pitches, and was replaced by Clay Holmes, who maintained the lead in the seventh.
The game had a tense moment when Yankees reliever Tim Hill obstructed baserunner Brayan Rocchio, allowing Steven Kwan to hit an RBI single. However, Weaver managed to end the threat effectively.
Anthony Rizzo, returning from injury, made his presence felt with a hit, as his return to the lineup provided a boost for the Yankees.
The Yankees demonstrated solid offensive execution, overcoming early missed opportunities and showcasing a strong performance from their pitching staff to start the series on a winning note.