Anthony Rizzo’s Key Role in Yankees’ ALCS Lead

Jazz Chisholm‘s aggressive baserunning during the American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians nearly cost the Yankees momentum. In the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium, Chisholm was picked off second base in front of 47,054 fans, a mistake that could have shifted the game in favor of the Guardians.

The tension at the stadium was palpable as the Yankees clung to their 3-2 lead. The Guardians, having previously reduced a 3-0 deficit, were gaining confidence after chasing Yankees’ starter Gerrit Cole off the mound in the fifth inning. Cole allowed significant basepath traffic, giving Cleveland opportunities to strike back.

Despite the setback, Yankees veterans stepped up. Anthony Rizzo, hitting eighth in the lineup, delivered a critical at-bat following Chisholm’s error. “We know our role down at the bottom,” said Rizzo. “Get it to the next guy, that’s the mentality.” Rizzo executed this strategy expertly by hitting a fierce line drive off Guardians left-hander Erik Sabrowski. The ball glanced off first baseman Josh Naylor’s glove, and right fielder Will Brennan‘s fielding error allowed Anthony Volpe to score, widening the Yankees’ lead.

Rizzo’s performance was instrumental as the Yankees secured a 6-3 victory, taking a 2-0 series lead. Aaron Judge further sealed the win with a seventh-inning homer, revitalizing the team’s and the fans’ confidence.

The Yankees, in control of the series, traveled to Cleveland needing to win two out of the three games to advance to the World Series for the first time in 15 years. “We’re coming in prepared,” Rizzo stated. “Not satisfied. We know the Guardians are a good club.”

Rizzo’s presence in the lineup, despite having only recently returned from fractured fingers, showcased his resilience and importance to the team. Manager Aaron Boone had been convinced by Rizzo’s determination, evidenced by his performance in previous games. Boone praised Rizzo, stating: “He hit the same bullet he hit last night and then had a really good at-bat off the lefty to get us another tack-on run.”

In Game 2, Rizzo went 2-for-4 and contributed significantly to the Yankees’ offensive efforts. “This is what you train for,” Rizzo commented on his participation. “This is what you play for.” His contributions, paired with strong showings from players like Torres and Judge, have placed the Yankees in a commanding position.