Yankees on Brink of World Series After Thrilling Game 4 Victory Over Guardians

The New York Yankees are one win away from their first World Series appearance since 2009, following a thrilling 8-6 victory against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series. With this win, the Yankees have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Powered by home runs from Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees demonstrated resilience, rebounding from a heartbreaking extra-inning loss in Game 3. Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, who faced difficulties in the previous game, struggled once again, allowing two crucial runs in the ninth inning.

Historically, teams that have taken a 3-1 lead in a best-of-seven postseason series have won 79 of 93 times, including 37 of 45 in the League Championship Series. With that statistic in mind, Stanton expressed his determination after the game, stating, “I want a ring. Anything I can do to help us win. One step at a time; this was a good step, but we have much more work to do.”

The Yankees wasted no time setting the tone for the game. Gleyber Torres kicked things off with a leadoff single in the first inning. Moments later, Soto blasted a two-run homer to center field, quickly putting New York ahead 2-0.

Cleveland answered back, with José Ramírez driving in a run on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first, narrowing the gap to 2-1. However, the Yankees continued to capitalize on their offensive momentum. Catcher Austin Wells added to the lead with a solo home run that traveled over 400 feet to center field in the third inning, extending the score to 3-1.

The Guardians kept the pressure on, with Josh Naylor driving in Steven Kwan with a single, bringing the score to 3-2. Yet, the Yankees’ potent middle lineup was ready to respond. After Soto drew a walk and Aaron Judge followed with a single, both advanced on Jazz Chisolm Jr.’s sacrifice bunt, setting the stage for Stanton’s heroics.

Stanton came through, launching a three-run homer to left field—his fourth of the postseason—pushing the Yankees’ lead to 6-2. His powerful swing momentarily silenced the crowd at Progressive Field, as he admired his shot before making his way around the bases.

Just when it seemed the Yankees had control of the game, the Guardians ignited another comeback attempt. In the seventh inning, Brayan Rocchio walked, and Kwan added a single off Yankees reliever Jake Cousins, leading Yankees manager Aaron Boone to bring in closer Clay Holmes.

Holmes managed to strike out David Fry, but then José Ramírez hit an RBI double, cutting the Yankees’ lead to 6-3. Naylor followed up with a two-run single, narrowing the score to 6-5, creating a tense atmosphere as the Cleveland crowd roared in excitement.

In the eighth inning, Cleveland’s fight continued. Fry hit a comebacker to pitcher Mark Leiter Jr., who struggled to field the ball cleanly. This error allowed Bo Naylor to score from third, tying the game at 6-6.

Despite Cleveland’s efforts to rally, the Yankees held their ground in the ninth inning. Tommy Kahnle allowed two runners to reach base but managed to get Rocchio to ground out, securing the victory for New York.

After the game, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt addressed his team’s mindset ahead of a must-win Game 5. “We are going to show up and be ready to win. That’s who these guys are. When our backs are against the wall, we play our best baseball,” he asserted confidently. “This team has not quit all year long.”

As the Yankees approach the chance to clinch their first AL pennant in 15 years, they remain focused on the task ahead. Stanton emphasized this mindset: “It feels like nothing until we get it done. As far as I am concerned, we haven’t done anything yet. We will enjoy this for now, but we have to get it done tomorrow.”

Game 5 is set for Saturday night in Cleveland, where the Yankees will look to finish off the series and secure their coveted spot in the World Series.