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Yankees Take Command of the ALDS with a Gutsy Win
A Night of High Drama in Kansas City
The New York Yankees are just one game away from advancing to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) after a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS). The game, played on October 9, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium, was a true postseason battle, full of tense moments, strategic decisions, and clutch performances.
At the heart of the Yankees’ victory was a late-game power surge from Giancarlo Stanton, who smashed a game-winning home run in the eighth inning. With the score tied 2-2 and momentum hanging in the balance, Stanton unleashed a 417-foot blast over the left-center field wall, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead that they would hold onto for the remainder of the game. It was Stanton’s third hit of the night, capping off a 3-for-4 performance that included a double, a stolen base, and of course, the go-ahead homer.
Giancarlo Stanton Delivers Once Again
Stanton’s Postseason Power on Full Display
Throughout his time with the Yankees, Giancarlo Stanton has been known for his ability to shine on the big stage, particularly in the postseason. Wednesday night’s game was no different. Stanton, who has battled through injuries for much of his career, once again proved why he’s one of the most feared hitters in baseball when healthy.
In the eighth inning, with the game tied and tensions rising, Stanton stepped to the plate against Royals reliever Kris Bubic. On a 3-1 count, Bubic left a pitch over the heart of the plate, and Stanton did not miss. His towering shot cleared the left-center field wall with ease, sending the Yankees’ dugout into a frenzy and silencing the Kansas City crowd. The home run not only gave the Yankees the lead but also shifted the momentum entirely in their favor.
But Stanton’s contributions to the game went beyond his eighth-inning heroics. Earlier in the game, Stanton had already made his presence felt with a double that drove in the Yankees’ first run of the game. His clutch hitting gave the Yankees an early lead, and his aggressive baserunning even led to a stolen base—an unusual sight for the powerful designated hitter.
Despite his reputation as a slugger, Stanton has shown he’s capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. His stolen base in the sixth inning was only his second since 2019, catching the Royals off guard as they were not expecting Stanton to make such a bold move. It gave the Yankees a runner in scoring position, although they were unable to capitalize at that moment. Still, it highlighted Stanton’s complete effort in a crucial playoff game.
Luke Weaver’s Clutch Performance
Weaver Secures a Five-Out Save
If Stanton provided the offensive spark, then Luke Weaver was the one who put out the fire on defense. Just over a month ago, Weaver recorded his first career save, and in Game 3, he was called upon to deliver once again, this time in an even higher-stakes environment. After Stanton’s go-ahead home run, Yankees manager Aaron Boone turned to Weaver to protect the lead.
Weaver entered the game in the eighth inning with the Yankees holding a slim 3-2 advantage. With Bobby Witt Jr. at the plate and the Royals threatening to tie the game, Weaver’s ability to remain calm under pressure was tested. Witt Jr., who had been struggling at the plate during the series, managed to single, and many expected him to attempt a steal with two outs. However, he stayed put, and Salvador Perez followed up with a single of his own, putting runners on first and third.
This was the most dangerous moment of the game for the Yankees, as the Royals had the tying run just 90 feet away from home plate. But Weaver did not panic. Instead, he remained composed and induced a flyout from Yuli Gurriel, ending the inning and keeping the Yankees in front.
In the ninth inning, Weaver retired the Royals in order, securing the five-out save and preserving the Yankees’ victory. His performance was a testament to his growing importance in the Yankees’ bullpen, as well as Boone’s trust in his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Gerrit Cole Set for Game 4
Yankees Look to Advance to the ALCS
With the Yankees now holding a 2-1 series lead, they’ll turn to their ace, Gerrit Cole, to try and close out the series in Game 4. Cole will be matched up against Royals right-hander Michael Wacha in what promises to be another intense postseason showdown.
Cole, who gave up four runs in his previous start in Game 1, is looking to bounce back and deliver a performance more in line with the dominance he’s shown throughout much of the season. Speaking to reporters before the game, Cole acknowledged that he wasn’t at his best in Game 1 but expressed confidence in his ability to make the necessary adjustments.
“Obviously, I wasn’t as sharp as I would have liked to be,” said Cole. “But I’ve looked at the film, and I think there are a few small things I can tweak to get back to where I need to be. It’s about being efficient, hitting my spots, and giving our team the best chance to win.”
Cole’s performance in Game 4 will be critical to the Yankees’ chances of advancing to the AL Championship Series, where they’ll face either the Cleveland Guardians or the Detroit Tigers.
Key Moments in Game 3
Tense Eighth Inning: Royals Come Close but Fall Short
The eighth inning was a turning point in the game, with both teams experiencing intense moments that could have shifted the outcome. For the Royals, the inning started with a glimmer of hope when Bobby Witt Jr. singled to put the potential tying run on base. With Salvador Perez coming up to bat, many in the stadium believed Witt would try to steal second and put himself in scoring position.
However, Witt stayed put, and Perez followed with a single to center, moving Witt to third base. This set the stage for a high-pressure at-bat for Yuli Gurriel, who had the opportunity to tie the game with a base hit. But Luke Weaver was able to induce a fly ball from Gurriel, ending the Royals’ threat and keeping the Yankees’ one-run lead intact.
Aaron Boone’s Managerial Decisions
Boone’s Bold Moves Pay Off
Yankees manager Aaron Boone made several important decisions throughout the game, particularly in the later innings, that helped secure the victory. One such decision was his choice to bring in Tommy Kahnle to start the eighth inning. Kahnle quickly struck out Michael Massey, but Boone then turned to Weaver to finish the inning and close out the game.
Weaver’s ability to secure the final five outs validated Boone’s decision, and it showed the Yankees’ confidence in their bullpen’s depth. Boone’s managerial style, often scrutinized, was on full display in Game 3, and his willingness to trust his gut and rely on multiple relievers proved to be the right call.
Other Highlights: Stanton’s Surprising Stolen Base
One of the game’s more unexpected moments came in the sixth inning when Giancarlo Stanton stole second base. Known primarily for his power, Stanton’s decision to swipe a bag took many by surprise, especially since he hadn’t stolen a base since 2019. The Royals’ defense was caught off guard, allowing Stanton to reach scoring position without a throw.
While the Yankees were unable to capitalize on the opportunity, Stanton’s stolen base demonstrated his determination to contribute in every aspect of the game. It was yet another example of the lengths he was willing to go to help his team in this crucial playoff game.
Offensive Struggles and Successes
Aaron Judge’s Frustrations Continue
While the Yankees celebrated their victory, one notable player who continued to struggle at the plate was Aaron Judge. The Yankees’ captain, who is typically a postseason force, has been in a slump throughout the ALDS. In Game 3, Judge went 0-for-4, including a strikeout in a key situation in the eighth inning.
Facing Royals reliever *Brady Singer, Judge worked the count full but was called out on a check-swing appeal by first base umpire Mark Carlson. The call left Judge visibly frustrated as he walked back to the dugout. He is now 1-for-11 in the series with no RBIs, a stark contrast to his usual October production.
Looking Ahead: Yankees on the Brink of the ALCS
With a 2-1 lead in the series, the Yankees are just one win away from advancing to the American League Championship Series. Gerrit Cole will take the mound for Game 4, looking to shut the door on the Royals and send New York to their next playoff challenge.
Meanwhile, the Royals will turn to Michael Wacha, hoping he can replicate his success from Game 1 and force a deciding Game 5. Kauffman Stadium will once again be the stage for what promises to be an epic postseason battle, with both teams fighting to keep their championship dreams alive.
WHERE CAN I WATCH YANKEES VS ROYALS
You can watch this match at Max, and on TBS and truTV via Hulu with Live TV, or DirecTV.
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