CLEVELAND — José Ramírez finally made an impactful play in New York’s iconic stadium. After struggling through several at-bats in Yankee Stadium’s challenging environment, the Cleveland Guardians’ All-Star third baseman hit a homer in the ninth inning of Game 2. Although the home run, which landed in the ballpark’s well-known “short porch” in right, came too late to alter the game outcome, it offered a glimmer of hope for the Guardians. However, the Yankees also capitalized, with Aaron Judge contributing a significant play of his own.
Facing a 2-0 deficit in the American League Championship Series after two unconvincing games in New York, the Guardians returned to Cleveland on Wednesday with renewed optimism. With three home games ahead of them, they felt confident about narrowing the Yankees’ lead, especially given their outstanding home record of 50-30 this season. The atmosphere at Progressive Field, while different from the electric crowd in New York, was still vibrant and supportive, demonstrated during the club’s ALDS against Detroit.
“Of course, we would have preferred to win at least one in New York,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt before a team workout on a cloudy, chilly day. “Yet, we’re still confident in our chances.”
The Guardians had many opportunities to score early in Game 2 against Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole. Regrettably, they were unable to convert on those chances, and Judge’s homer in the seventh inning effectively sealed their 6-3 defeat. They went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position that night, leaving 11 runners on base. Despite the results, Vogt remained positive about his team’s approach at the plate.
“We just couldn’t find that crucial hit,” Vogt noted, mentioning that Matthew Boyd would pitch against New York’s Clarke Schmidt in Game 3. “We applied pressure on them consistently. It seemed like we had one or two guys on base every inning. Our players have generally performed well in such situations throughout the season. One subpar game won’t deter us.”
As Cleveland’s heart and soul, Ramírez has become essential to their lineup. Described as one of the best players by Yankees manager Aaron Boone, he has had a tough postseason with a batting average of just .167 (4 for 24) and only one hit in seven attempts with runners in scoring position. Therefore, his home run was a crucial and morale-boosting event for the team.
Ramírez was a near member of the 40-40 club during the regular season and is capable of propelling the Guardians to victory when performing at his best. Although his swing has appeared slightly off lately, he made solid contact in Game 1, hitting two balls that Judge impressively caught in center field. “Hosey simply needs to be himself,” said Vogt. “He put together strong at-bats last night and had his opportunities. There are high expectations for him to deliver, but he puts that pressure on himself. I have full confidence that he’ll be ready for Game 3.”
The Yankees, too, are banking on Judge, this year’s likely AL MVP and a formidable hitter. Judge, who hit 58 home runs during the season, had only managed two hits in 17 at-bats in the playoffs until hitting a stunning homer off Hunter Gaddis, which traveled 414 feet to center field, landing just shy of Monument Park. He enjoyed both relief and joy during his home run trot and playfully mentioned that the “ghosts” of the ballpark may have aided him in reaching that milestone.
When asked how many players could hit a pitch like that out of the park, Vogt remarked, “Probably just one.”
In other news, Anthony Rizzo’s unexpected presence on New York’s ALCS roster has proved beneficial. After fracturing two fingers on his right hand from a pitch on September 28, Rizzo surprised fans by going 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored in Game 2. His pivotal shot down the right-field line came after Jazz Chisholm was tagged out at second, a play that loomed large as Cleveland attempted to rally. Rizzo, who did not participate in the ALDS against Houston, has been a boost for the Yankees and they are hopeful he can sustain his performance.
Manager Boone shared that Rizzo reported some lingering finger soreness but felt considerably better after Game 1. “I humorously asked if he was sleeping in the hyperbaric chamber!” Boone said, referring to Rizzo’s commitment to treatment. “He has been working hard to ensure he stays available.”
Boyd, now a teammate of Ramírez, has developed a deeper appreciation for his ability. The left-hander, who previously spent eight seasons with Detroit, faced Ramírez many times and always admired the blend of power and speed he possesses. However, being around him consistently has revealed the other admirable qualities Ramírez brings to the team. “What’s remarkable about Hosey is his daily dedication to showing up ready to compete,” Boyd said. “No matter how he feels, he’s consistent every day. He truly embodies the term ‘sparkplug.’ He’s exceptional.”
