CLEVELAND, OH – The New York Yankees are back in the World Series for the first time since 2009, thanks to a dramatic 10th-inning, three-run homer from star outfielder Juan Soto. Soto’s clutch blast delivered a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Saturday night, capping off a hard-fought 4-1 series victory.
The Yankees, who have long been desperate to return to baseball’s biggest stage, were seeking their 28th championship after a 15-year drought. Soto, acquired in a blockbuster trade from the San Diego Padres last December, was brought in to be the missing piece for a team loaded with talent but short on recent October success. That night, he was exactly that.
The Big Swing: Soto Seals It for New York
With the score tied 2-2 and two outs in the top of the 10th, Soto stepped up to face Cleveland reliever Hunter Gaddis. After falling behind 1-2, Soto launched a towering shot to deep center field that kept carrying until it cleared the right-center bullpen, sending Yankee fans into a frenzy. The three-run homer secured the Yankees’ 41st trip to the World Series and brought Soto’s heroics to life in the most crucial moment of the series.
“I just told myself, ‘You’re all over that guy. You’re all over that guy. He ain’t got anything,’” Soto recounted after the game, smiling as he celebrated with his teammates. “I’m glad I got the opportunity to come through when it mattered most.”
The rally was set up by a one-out error from Cleveland shortstop Brayan Rocchio, who dropped an easy force play at second base. That miscue kept the inning alive for Soto, and he capitalized in a big way.
Stanton Named ALCS MVP
While Soto delivered the biggest swing of the night, Giancarlo Stanton was named ALCS MVP. Stanton, who homered in four of the series’ five games, tied the game in the sixth inning with a massive 446-foot, two-run shot to left field. His blast erased Cleveland’s 2-0 lead and marked his 16th career postseason home run, moving him to fourth place in the Yankees’ all-time playoff list behind legends Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Mickey Mantle.
Stanton’s power was displayed throughout the series, as he racked up four homers and seven RBIs. “We had our backs against the wall, but we kept swinging,” Stanton said after the win. “There’s more work to do, but we’re back where we belong.”
The Road to the World Series
The Yankees’ path to the World Series was anything but straightforward. After a disappointing fourth-place finish in the AL East last season, the organization made significant changes, including acquiring Soto. His arrival and a revamped roster transformed the Yankees back into contenders. With the ALCS behind them, the Yankees await their opponent, either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets, with Game 1 of the World Series set for Friday.
Ace Gerrit Cole is slated to start the opener regardless of the opponent. The Yankees’ rotation, bolstered by Cole’s consistency and Carlos Rodón’s emergence, will be key as the team seeks its 28th title.
A Roller Coaster Series in Cleveland
The ALCS was marked by nail-biting finishes, especially in Cleveland, where narrow margins decided all three games at Progressive Field. The Guardians took Game 3 with a dramatic, late-game rally, but the Yankees managed to edge out wins in Games 4 and 5, demonstrating resilience in pressure situations.
Saturday’s deciding game saw Cleveland’s pitching staff, led by starter Tanner Bibee, stymie New York’s lineup early on. Bibee allowed just two hits through five innings and struck out five. But Stanton’s sixth-inning blast swung the momentum back in New York’s favor, and the bullpen kept Cleveland’s bats in check until Soto’s heroics sealed the deal.
The Yankees’ relief corps, led by closer Luke Weaver and unsung hero Jake Cousins, proved pivotal in maintaining the tie into extra innings. Cousins struck out four of the five batters he faced, and Weaver pitched a perfect ninth to keep New York’s hopes alive.
A New Beginning for Cleveland
For the Cleveland Guardians, the loss marked the end of a surprising season under rookie manager Stephen Vogt. Despite falling short, the Guardians showcased a young, promising roster that took significant strides in 2024. The franchise, which hasn’t won a title since 1948, will look to build on this year’s success as they aim to break baseball’s longest championship drought.
Vogt praised his team’s effort: “These guys never gave up, and I’m proud of what we accomplished this season. We fell short against a great team, but we’re building something special here.”
Yankees Fans Chant: “Re-Sign Soto!”
As the Yankees celebrated on the field, the thousands of traveling New York fans chanted, “Re-sign Soto!” hoping to keep the slugger in pinstripes beyond this season. Soto, set to enter free agency this winter, has quickly become a fan favorite for his clutch performances and charismatic presence.
“I love playing here,” Soto said when asked about his future. “Right now, I’m focused on winning a title. We’ll talk about everything else later.”
