Yankees Poised to End 15-Year Pennant Drought Against Cleveland Guardians

The New York Yankees stand on the brink of ending a 15-year wait for a pennant as they prepare to face the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) at Progressive Field. The Yankees lead the series three games to one, following an intense 8-6 victory in Game 4.

Giancarlo Stanton expressed confidence after the Yankees’ latest win by stating, “It feels like nothing until we get it done.” Stanton’s words reflect the urgency and determination within the team to finally secure a place in the World Series.

This pivotal game sees Carlos Rodon starting for the Yankees, opposite Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. Rodon, who boasts 21 strikeouts in his 12.2 postseason innings, has demonstrated a varied pitching arsenal. He aims to replicate his Game 2 performance, where he delivered six innings over 93 pitches, given the Yankees’ already burdened bullpen.

Luke Weaver‘s freshness is a potential asset for the Yankees, as both teams’ bullpens have seen extensive use in the series. However, Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle is likely unavailable after pitching extensively over the previous two nights. Clay Holmes may also be spared from a third consecutive game.

The Yankees are optimistic about left-hander Nestor Cortes, who is recovering from a flexor tendon issue. Manager Aaron Boone noted that Cortes is “very much trending forward,” and could potentially be included in a World Series roster if the Yankees progress, potentially replacing Marcus Stroman in the pitching lineup.

An offensive highlight for the Guardians came when Bo Naylor‘s two-out RBI double gave them a 1-0 lead in the second inning, demonstrating a tenacious at-bat against Rodon. However, the Yankees responded with a strong start from Rodon, including two strikeouts in the opening inning.

Strategically, Giancarlo Stanton, promoted to the cleanup spot to protect Aaron Judge against right-hander Bibee, adds power to the Yankees’ lineup. Manager Aaron Boone made this decision despite typically preferring to balance left- and right-handed batters. Stanton’s impressive recent performances, including four home runs in his last six playoff games, validate Boone’s strategy.

The game, aired by TBS and truTV with streaming available on Max, starts at 8:08 p.m., and promises to be a riveting contest as the Yankees aim to clinch their first pennant since 2009.