The Cleveland Guardians’ offense continues to be lackluster, as they lose Game 1 of the ALCS to the New York Yankees 5-2. Juan Soto hits his first home run of the postseason, and Yankees starter Carlos Rodon controls the Guardians’ bats.
Rodon pitched six innings, allowed one run, and struck out nine hitters to pick up his first postseason win.
The 37-year-old Alex Cobb started the game for the Guardians, and he was in trouble once again. In two innings, he allowed five hits and three runs, walked three batters, and struck out five.
Left fielder Steven Kwan remains hit at the plate. He has an 11-game postseason hitting streak. He was one of the two Guardians to drive in a run. Shortstop Brayan Rocchio hit his first home run of the postseason in the top of the sixth inning.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez didn’t hold up his end. He went 0 for 4. The Guardians will need him to get going soon on this series. The Guardians can’t win without Ramirez’ production. Guardians left five men on base.
The Guardians pitchers also threw too many wild pitches and gave up many walks. This is not going to get the job done. It was cringeworthy to watch.
Pound the strike zone, and don’t throw so much down the dirt. It was quite the load work for Guardians catcher Bo Naylor behind the plate.
Giancarlo Stanton added his 13th career postseason homer for the Yankees. He’s an underrated postseason hitter, and he’s carrying the Yankees. The offense has also been struggling, going 0 for 7 in runners in scoring position.
It’s only Game 1. The series is far from over. The last time the Yankees grabbed Game 1 of the ALCS was in 2019 against the Houston Astros. The Yankees would go on to lose that series
Who will be the starters for Game 2?
Gerrit Cole will take the mound for Game 2. It’s his third postseason start. He is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA this postseason. Tanner Bibee will pitch for the Guardians. He had a 2.08 ERA in the Division Series against the Detroit Tigers.
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