The New York Yankees are headed to the American League Championship Series for the third time in six years after downing the Cleveland Guardians, 5-1, on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.
New York threw the first punch as Giancarlo Stanton launched a three-run home run into the right-field seats in the first inning. Aaron Judge added to the lead in the second with a solo shot to right-center, and the Yankees cruised from there. Anthony Rizzo chipped in a run-scoring single in the fifth.
Nestor Cortes got the start on three days of rest and tossed five innings of one-run ball while allowing three hits and striking out two.
The bullpen was lights out as Jonathan Loáisiga, Clay Holmes, and Wandy Peralta combined for four shutout innings.
The Yankees will get on a plane and head to Houston to face the Astros in the best-of-seven ALCS. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:37 p.m. The pitching matchup will feature Jameson Taillon vs. Justin Verlander.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].