The New York Yankees are heading back to the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. Juan Soto’s three-run home run in the 10th inning secured a 5-2 victory for the Bronx Bombers, who last won a World Series in 2009. The team, with 27 World Series championships, now awaits the winner of the National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, with the World Series set to begin on October 25.
Soto, who also caught the final out of the game, set off a celebration among the Yankees’ players as they clinched their spot in the World Series. Giancarlo Stanton, who had a standout performance throughout the series, was named the MVP after hitting four home runs, driving in seven runs, and drawing three walks. Along with Soto, the two players were responsible for seven of the Yankees’ 10 home runs in the series, outscoring the Guardians 29-20 over the five games.
The Yankees have had a remarkable turnaround this season, going 7-2 in the postseason after finishing the regular season with the best record in the American League at 94-68. This success comes after missing the postseason entirely last year, ending a streak of six consecutive postseason appearances. The Guardians, playing in their first ALCS since 2016, fell short of advancing to the World Series, keeping baseball’s longest championship drought alive for another year.
In the decisive Game 5, Guardians reliever Hunter Gaddis allowed the game-winning home run to Soto in the 10th inning. An error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio on a routine ground ball allowed the Yankees to extend their inning and eventually take the lead. Despite striking out Gleyber Torres, Gaddis was unable to close out the inning, leading to Soto’s clutch home run that sealed the Yankees’ victory. Luke Weaver pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game for New York.
With the Yankees advancing to the World Series, they will face the winner of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and Mets. The Dodgers currently lead the series 3-2, setting up a potential matchup between two historic franchises. The Yankees, eager to add to their World Series championship count, will enter the series with momentum after their impressive performance in the ALCS, led by standout players like Soto and Stanton. Baseball fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive World Series beginning on October 25.
