New York Yankees Struggle with Baserunning and Defense in ALCS Clash

The New York Yankees continued to face significant challenges during Game 3 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Cleveland Guardians, as highlighted by repeated baserunning errors and defensive mishaps. Fans and analysts, including WFAN radio commentator John Sterling, have noted these issues following a similar blunder in Game 2, where players Jazz Chisholm and Anthony Rizzo were both picked off second base within the same inning.

According to MLB Network baserunning rankings for the regular season, the Yankees’ struggles are well-documented, as they ranked last with a score of 16.9, far below the MLB average of zero. This statistic underscores the ongoing issues with their on-base tactics throughout the series.

In the face of these challenges, the Yankees’ pitching performances have been a partial saving grace, although Game 3 presented more difficulties. José Trevino, who had not played since September 29, returned to the lineup in the No. 9 spot and briefly put the Yankees ahead with an RBI single that drove in Anthony Volpe. However, Trevino was subsequently picked off at first base, hindering an opportunity to capitalize with runners in scoring positions.

Following this incident, Gleyber Torres‘ liner to left field could have potentially scored Alex Verdugo on a sacrifice fly, had there been one out instead of two, leading to further frustration among Yankee fans and analysts alike.

The Yankees’ pitching staff faced its own set of challenges. Clarke Schmidt, the starting pitcher, allowed a two-run home run to Kyle Manzardo, causing the Yankees to fall behind. Manager Aaron Boone quickly responded by removing Schmidt after just 78 pitches, a decision that saw its own complications as Ian Hamilton replaced Tim Hill. Hamilton’s appearance was short-lived due to injuries sustained while covering first base and during his subsequent warm-up.

After Hamilton’s exit, the Guardians scored an additional run. Lane Thomas reached base on a walk and advanced to score on an Andrés Giménez single off Tim Mayza, following another pitching change.

The Yankees’ offense remained largely ineffective, failing to capitalize on opportunities. Despite creating early pressure on Cleveland’s Matthew Boyd, who gave up two hits and three walks in the initial innings, they only managed a lone run. Boyd eventually pitched five innings, marking the first Cleveland starter to achieve this in the postseason.