KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the one-month and three days anniversary of Luke Weaver’s first career save, he stepped up to deliver five crucial outs in the Yankees’ pivotal game against the Kansas City Royals. After Giancarlo Stanton put the Yankees ahead with a powerful solo homer in the eighth inning, they secured a tight 3-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium.
With this win, Gerrit Cole is set to take the mound in Game 4 on Thursday night, aiming to propel the Yankees to the American League Championship Series against either Cleveland or Detroit.
In a tense eighth inning, Bobby Witt Jr. opted not to steal second base with two outs and Salvador Perez at bat. When Perez hit a single, the Royals were in a position with runners on first and third, but Yuli Gurriel’s flyout ended the threat, leaving the Yankees ahead 3-2.
The Yankees’ batting order faced off against Royals pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Manager Aaron Boone initially opted for Tommy Kahnle to face Michael Massey, who struck out. Boone then called for Weaver to secure a five-out save against the top of the Royals lineup.
Stanton’s impactful presence was felt when he launched a 3-1 pitch from lefty Kris Bubic 417 feet, giving the Yankees a crucial 3-2 lead. Known for his postseason performances, Stanton proved his value with three hits, including a double and a stolen base.
Aaron Judge had a significant opportunity to impact the game, coming up after a two-out walk to Juan Soto. However, Judge struck out on a full count, leaving him struggling in the postseason with just one hit in eleven at-bats.
Clay Holmes took over pitching duties, effectively retiring four of five Royals batters faced, maintaining a scoreless appearance through the series.
In a surprising turn, Giancarlo Stanton stole second base—his first of the year—setting up a scoring chance for the Yankees, although they were unable to capitalize.
After the Royals tied the game 2-2 in the fifth inning, Boone brought in Holmes to replace Clarke Schmidt after questionable decisions in the previous inning. The Royals celebrated as they transformed a one-run deficit into a tie match, energizing the home crowd.
The Yankees struck first in the fourth inning, with Stanton doubling to bring in Soto, marking the Yankees’ first run off Seth Lugo in over ten innings.
Throughout the matchup, there were moments of controversy, including an overturned call on a Gleyber Torres’ hit that was ruled foul, which initially could have given the Yankees a lead.
Manager Aaron Boone made lineup adjustments for Game 3, bringing back Oswaldo Cabrera at first base for better left-right balance against the Royals’ pitching. Clarke Schmidt made his postseason starting debut, with plans for Luis Gil if additional length was needed.
Looking ahead to Game 4, it will be a rematch between Gerrit Cole and Kansas City’s Michael Wacha, with Cole seeking to refine his previous performance to secure the team’s victory.