Andrés Giménez’s sacrifice fly marked the end of Cleveland’s dramatic three-run comeback in the 10th inning, securing an unexpected 8-7 victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday to close out their three-game series.
Trailing 7-5, the Guardians managed to score three runs in the 10th inning against Caleb Ferguson (0-2), capitalizing on a forceout, fielder’s choice, and sacrifice fly.
“We never give up,” emphasized first-year Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. “That’s what defines this team.”
The Yankees, previously undefeated when scoring at least four runs, briefly took a 7-6 lead in the 10th thanks to Anthony Rizzo’s two-run single off Tyler Beede (1-0).
However, the Guardians, who were on the verge of victory in the ninth before the Yankees rallied, responded with crucial at-bats to secure a remarkable win, concluding a home stand that began with a total solar eclipse.
In the decisive 10th inning, Josh Naylor’s grounder brought home Bo Naylor, who started the inning at second base and advanced on a single. David Fry’s subsequent double and a challenging grounder by Will Brennan further added to the Guardians’ unexpected rally, with Gleyber Torres’ fumble allowing Josh Naylor to score the tying run.
Giménez then hit a fly ball to right field, securing the Guardians’ second walk-off win of the week.
Despite the loss, the Yankees maintained a strong record of 12-4, one of their best starts in history. They had previously won all six one-run games.
“It’s a tough loss,” remarked Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “We missed out on making a few crucial plays. It’s always challenging when you fight hard to take the lead and then fall short.”
Aaron Judge contributed with a three-run homer, while Jose Trevino and Anthony Volpe also made significant plays for New York, including Volpe’s RBI double that tied the game in the ninth inning.
“Losing in any manner is difficult,” noted Judge. “But our guys kept battling until the end. We had some key moments, but unfortunately, we couldn’t finish strong.”
Amidst the chaos of the 10th inning, a remarkable double play executed by Fry and Bo Naylor went somewhat unnoticed.
Fry, initially playing as a catcher before moving to first base, fielded a ground ball and swiftly threw to home plate to eliminate a runner. Bo Naylor, with a quick tag, then threw back to first base, completing the double play.
“That was an incredible play by two extremely athletic and sharp-minded players,” praised Vogt. “Their athleticism and baseball intelligence at that moment deserve more recognition. It should be highlighted as a top play on platforms like ‘SportsCenter’ or MLB.”
José Ramírez smashed a two-run home run, while Gabriel Arias and Estevan Florial, formerly a top prospect with the Yankees, each added solo homers for Cleveland.
Florial, who joined the Guardians in a trade during the offseason, hit a homer on an 0-1 pitch from Luke Weaver in the eighth inning.
“It was a special moment for Flo,” remarked Vogt. “Whenever you hit a pinch-hit homer, it’s one of the best feelings for a hitter. It was a big moment, in the bottom of the eighth, against his former team. It was a cool moment for him.”
The homer sparked mocking chants about the Yankees from Guardians fans, who were engaged in lively banter with their New York counterparts throughout the day. The Yankees fans are known for their strong presence in every ballpark.
The excitement was short-lived as Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase struggled to finish the game, allowing Volpe’s hit.
Judge, leading the AL in walks, gave the Yankees a 3-0 lead in the third inning with his colossal home run, initially estimated at 469 feet before being adjusted to 450 feet.
Regardless of the distance, Judge’s hit was a powerful one. After Volpe walked and advanced to third on Juan Soto’s single, Judge blasted Allen’s first pitch over the left field wall, reaching more than halfway up the bleachers below Progressive Field’s massive scoreboard.
