The Yankees Defeated The Guardians In Game 5 To Progress To Their First World Series Since 2009

After defeating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday, the New York Yankees will play in the World Series. 

The Yankees, who haven’t been in the World Series since winning it in 2009, are making their way back to baseball’s biggest stage. 

Although it doesn’t seem like much, the 15-year drought tied the franchise record for the longest time between pennants.

“Did a really good job here”

With the exception of a breakdown in Game 3 against the Guardians, this team’s mostly flawless bullpen and timely hitting from the top of the lineup—particularly from designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton—propelled it to the Fall Classic. 

Up to Stanton’s two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning, which tied the game and forced extra innings, the Yankees were down the Guardians 0–2. Juan Soto gave the Yankees the victory in the top of the tenth inning by hitting a three-run home run with two outs. The Guardians were unable to respond.

After the win, Soto stated that his team “did a really good job here.”

He said “We were grinding. We were working hard. Now we are the best team in the American League,”

Soto termed the Yankees “the best in the game” and said the opportunity to lead your team to the World Series is “the best feeling.”

“We have all the talent we need to go all the way, we’re really sticking together.” He said.

He also added “We’re pushing each other. … We’re feeling really good, We have a World Series to win.”

“That’s what it’s all about”

The Yankees have not won a World Series, but they have advanced to five championship series and have appeared in the playoffs almost every season (2010, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2022). 

The Houston Astros, who have dominated the American League for almost ten years, have defeated the Yankees three times in the last championship series.

General Manager Brian Cashman stated, “Any chance you get to play in the World Series is awesome,” and added, “We’re right where we belong.” He stated that he “was thanking God” when Soto scored in the top of the tenth.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised the Guardians for their difficult fight in the ALCS, but claimed the Yankees were “a little more grittier in the end.”

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge stated that the squad had “something special.” He said “That’s what it’s all about. That’s what you grind all season for, For moments like this.”

Follow Wat-Not on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram