Yankees Take ALDS Lead Against Royals with Game 3 Victory

The New York Yankees advanced to a 2-1 series lead in the American League Division Series (ALDS) following a narrow 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on October 9, 2024. The game, held at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, saw a turnout of 40,312 fans.

New York’s offense was spearheaded by outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who delivered a stellar performance. Stanton batted 3-for-5 with a home run and a double, contributing significantly to the Yankees’ three runs. His home run, a 417-foot shot to left-center field in the eighth inning, proved crucial in breaking a 2-2 tie.

Earlier in the game, Stanton’s double in the fourth inning brought home Juan Soto, putting the Yankees on the scoreboard after Kansas City initially led with two runs. In the fifth inning, Anthony Volpe scored on a sacrifice fly, hit by Soto, moving the Yankees ahead 2-1 before the Royals equalized in the bottom of the inning.

For Kansas City, the efforts of Kyle Isbel and Michael Massey were noteworthy. Isbel hit a crucial double, allowing Adam Frazier to score in the fifth inning. This was followed by Massey’s triple to center field, bringing Isbel across the plate and leveling the score at 2-2.

The Yankees managed to maintain their slim lead through solid pitching performances. The starting pitcher contributed 4.2 innings with two strikeouts, allowing two earned runs. Relievers successfully shut out the Royals for the remainder of the game, with the closing pitcher securing the win.

According to ESPN Analytics, the pitching staff collectively managed to keep Kansas City at bay, despite the tight contest. As the series progresses, the Yankees, who finished the regular season with a record of 94-68, will aim to carry their momentum into the next match to close out the series.

Game 4 is scheduled to take place with Kansas City seeking to force a decisive fifth game. Coverage will continue on TBS, truTV, and Max.