Clase Falters Again, Yankees Win ALCS Game 2: Bombers Take 2-0 Series Lead
The New York Yankees are one step closer to the World Series after a thrilling 7-6 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the ALCS on Sunday night. The game was a back-and-forth affair that saw the Yankees take an early lead, only to see the Guardians rally back. But the Yankees were ultimately victorious, thanks in part to a blown save by Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who has now faltered twice in the series.
The Yankees got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the first inning. Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge led the way with a pair of RBI singles, while Harrison Bader added a run-scoring double. The Guardians were quick to respond in the bottom half of the inning, getting a solo homer from Amed Rosario and a two-run homer from Jose Ramirez, but the Yankees would remain on top throughout much of the game.
New York extended their lead in the third inning with a two-run homer by Gleyber Torres, giving them a 5-3 advantage. The Guardians continued to chip away at the deficit, though, scoring a run in the fifth inning on a wild pitch, and another run in the sixth inning on a single by Amed Rosario.
The game was tied 6-6 in the seventh inning. Both teams had their opportunities to break the tie in the eighth and ninth innings, but neither team was able to score. That set the stage for a dramatic bottom of the ninth inning. With one out and a runner on first, Oswaldo Cabrera hit a sharp grounder to third base, which was fielded by Jose Ramirez. Ramirez initially looked like he might be able to get Cabrera out at first base, but he threw the ball away, allowing the go-ahead run to score, and the Yankees escaped with a 7-6 victory.
Clase's struggles continued in the ninth inning. The Cleveland closer gave up the go-ahead run, and the Guardians were unable to pull off another comeback victory. Clase has allowed a total of four runs in the series.
"He’s got to come back and be ready to go. He’s going to have to be more effective. He’s a good pitcher, and he’s got a lot of confidence. So, I’m not worried about him," said Guardians manager Terry Francona.
The Yankees are now in a strong position to advance to the World Series. They have a 2-0 series lead, and they have home-field advantage for the next three games in the series. The Guardians will need to find a way to bounce back, and fast, if they want to keep their World Series dreams alive.
Here are some key takeaways from the game:
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The Yankees' offense is still a force to be reckoned with. The Yankees scored seven runs in the game, including two home runs. They are a threat to score runs in any inning, and that is a scary proposition for any opposing pitcher.
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The Guardians' pitching staff is showing some cracks. Clase has been struggling, and the rest of the bullpen has not been as dominant as it was during the regular season. The Guardians need their pitching staff to be at their best if they want to win this series.
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The Guardians' offense is starting to come alive. The Guardians scored six runs in the game, and they had several opportunities to score more. They are starting to get some clutch hits, which is a good sign for their offense.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees and Guardians will face off again on Monday night in Game 3 of the ALCS. The game will be played in Cleveland, with the Guardians looking to avoid going down 3-0 in the series.
The Guardians have to find a way to slow down the Yankees' offense, and their pitchers have to be more effective. They have to find a way to contain Aaron Judge, who is hitting .300 with two home runs in the series. If they can do those things, they will be in a good position to get back in the series.
FAQs
What is the current score of the ALCS series?
The Yankees are currently leading the series 2-0.
Who is the leading hitter in the ALCS?
Aaron Judge is currently leading the ALCS with a .300 batting average.
What is the next game in the ALCS?
The next game in the ALCS is Game 3, which will be played on Monday night in Cleveland.
What are the odds of the Yankees winning the World Series?
The Yankees are currently the favorites to win the World Series. They have a strong pitching staff and a powerful offense.
Can the Guardians still win the ALCS?
The Guardians are still very much in the series. They have a talented team, and they have won a lot of close games this season. But they will need to play better than they did in Games 1 and 2 to win the series.
Conclusion
The Yankees took a commanding 2-0 lead in the ALCS thanks to a strong offensive performance and a blown save by Emmanuel Clase. The Guardians have their work cut out for them if they want to come back and win the series. They will need to find a way to get their pitching staff back on track, and they will need to be more consistent at the plate. The next few games will be crucial for the Guardians as they look to keep their World Series hopes alive.
