Carlos Rodón Dominates as Yankees Take ALCS Game 1 Over Guardians
Carlos Rodón delivered a masterful performance as the Yankees secured a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). After a shaky outing in the previous round, Rodón bounced back in style, proving why he was brought to New York with high expectations. The left-hander struck out nine Guardians over six innings, allowing just one run and giving the Yankees the crucial opening win.
Rodón’s dominance on the mound was evident from the start, tallying a career-high 25 swing-and-misses, the most ever by a Yankees pitcher in a home playoff game. His sharp slider was key, and he remained calm and collected, in contrast to his previous struggles in the Division Series against the Royals. In that earlier outing, Rodón had crumbled under pressure, but this time he maintained control, closing five of his six innings with strikeouts.
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The Yankees' offense was sparked early by Juan Soto’s solo home run in the third inning, marking his first homer of the postseason. After that, Guardians pitcher Alex Cobb unraveled, loading the bases and walking several batters, which led to wild pitches that allowed the Yankees to extend their lead to 3-0. Giancarlo Stanton added to the fireworks with a towering 439-foot home run in the seventh inning, further solidifying the Yankees' advantage.
Despite Cleveland’s late attempts to close the gap, including a solo shot from Brayan Rocchio and a run-scoring single from Steven Kwan, Yankees closer Luke Weaver shut the door with a five-out save. The victory was not without some tense moments, including an obstruction call in the eighth inning that helped the Guardians get a runner into scoring position, but the Yankees held firm to claim the series lead.
This commanding performance from Rodón not only silenced critics but also set the tone for the Yankees, who are favored to advance to the World Series. His ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain composure in a high-pressure environment was a key factor in the win, giving the Yankees a vital edge as they head deeper into the series.
Rodón’s ALCS Game 1 performance showcased his ability to be a true postseason ace for the Yankees. His calm demeanor and sharp execution on the mound ensured that the Yankees would start this series on the right foot, giving them a 1-0 advantage over a Cleveland team known for its scrappy resilience. With more games ahead, all eyes will be on whether Rodón can continue to deliver on the big stage and help lead New York to further postseason glory.
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