Late Saturday, the New York Yankees sealed their long-awaited return to the World Series, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in a dramatic Game 5 of the ALCS. The victory, which began Saturday night and stretched past midnight, ended a 15-year drought since the Yankees last reached the Fall Classic in 2009. At the heart of the triumph was Juan Soto, delivering a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2009 THE YANKEES ARE HEADING TO THE WORLD SERIES!#RepBX#Yankeespic.twitter.com/zcJ2zYnRbo
— Pinstripes Nation (@pinstripesnat) October 20, 2024
Luke Weaver, who earned the closer role in September after Clay Holmes struggled with more than 13 blown saves, recorded the final three outs to cap off a six-out save. His effort ensured that Juan Soto’s heroics stood as the game-winning blow, sending the Bronx Bombers to the Fall Classic.
The Yankees now await the winner of the Dodgers-Mets showdown, with the World Series set to begin next week.
Yankees head to the World Series after 15-year drought
With the game tied 2-2 heading into the 10th inning, Juan Soto stepped up and delivered the biggest swing of the Yankees’ season, launching a go-ahead three-run home run into the right-field stands. Soto’s blast came after Gleyber Torres walked and Aaron Judge singled, setting the stage for his clutch moment. With one swing, Soto gave the Yankees a 5-2 lead, putting them just three outs away from the World Series.
Stanton keeps Yankees alive with sixth-inning heroics
Before Juan Soto’s game-winner, it was Giancarlo Stanton who kept the Yankees’ hopes alive. Trailing 2-0 in the sixth inning, Stanton stepped up with two outs and delivered his fourth home run of the series, tying the game at 2-2. Stanton’s blast came with two strikes, once again proving his knack for delivering in clutch postseason moments…