Juan Soto Delivers Game-Winning Homer to Send Yankees to the World Series
Juan Soto was expected to be the game-changer, the one to push the New York Yankees back to championship glory. Now, they’re just one step away. Soto’s three-run home run with two outs in the 10th inning propelled the Yankees to a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday night, securing their 41st World Series appearance — and their first in 15 years.
The Yankees Return to the Biggest Stage
With Soto’s heroics, the Yankees, baseball’s most iconic franchise, are headed back to the World Series. Acquired in a blockbuster seven-player trade with San Diego last December, Soto showed why he was brought to the Bronx, delivering in the clutch with one powerful swing.
“This is exactly why we got him,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s had an incredible season, but it’s these moments that make him special. Don’t take it for granted.”
Yankees Seek 28th Championship
After missing the playoffs last season, the Yankees will now have a chance to win their 28th title. They await the winner of the NL Championship Series between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, with Game 6 scheduled for Sunday night at Dodger Stadium.
With the score tied 2-2, Austin Wells drew a walk in the 10th inning, followed by an error by Cleveland’s Brayan Rocchio on a grounder hit by Alex Verdugo. Hunter Gaddis struck out Gleyber Torres and quickly had Soto in a 1-2 count before the Yankees’ slugger battled through a tough at-bat, fouling off four pitches and then launching a towering shot over the center-field wall.
Soto’s Big Moment
“Just an at-bat for the ages,” Boone said. Soto danced down the first-base line and celebrated with his teammates before completing his triumphant lap around the bases.
“I kept telling myself, ‘You’ve got him. He’s got nothing on you,’” Soto said. He joins Boone as the only Yankees players to hit a series-clinching home run in extra innings.
Closing Out the Guardians
Luke Weaver sealed the win, with Lane Thomas flying out to Soto for the final out of the game. Soto’s arrival in New York raised questions about whether he could handle the pressure of playing in the city and coexist with stars like Aaron Judge. But not only has he fit in — he’s led the way.
“He’s just a great teammate,” Boone said. “You bring in a superstar, and you wonder how they’ll mesh. But he’s been amazing. He’s one of the guys, and I don’t have to worry about him.”
Yankees Fans Chant “Re-sign Soto”
The 25-year-old Soto is eligible for free agency this winter, and his Game 5 heroics may have boosted his price tag. Yankees fans chanted “Re-sign Soto!” during the postgame celebration. Third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. joked, “I think we should give him $700 million. Final offer!”
Giancarlo Stanton Shines as ALCS MVP
Giancarlo Stanton also played a key role, hitting a two-run homer and being named ALCS MVP. His game-tying, 446-foot blast in the sixth inning marked his fourth home run of the series and his third in as many days. Stanton now ranks fourth on the Yankees’ all-time postseason home run list with 16.
“It was a roller-coaster series,” Stanton said. “We kept punching back, and now we’ve got more work to do.”
Guardians Fall Short
Despite a strong season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, Cleveland’s World Series drought — the longest in baseball, dating back to 1948 — continues. “Only one team gets to win the last game of the year, and it won’t be us,” Vogt said. “But we accomplished a lot, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Yankees’ Path Back to the World Series
After an 82-80 finish last year, the Yankees underwent a period of “soul searching,” Boone said. Their December trade for Soto, along with the July acquisition of Chisholm, helped them re-establish themselves as title contenders. Boone, one of just three Yankees managers to take the team to the playoffs in six of his first seven seasons, emphasized the team’s chemistry.
“This group is the closest I’ve ever seen,” he said. “They trust each other, play for each other, and love each other.”
Chisholm Finds Family in New York
Chisholm, who joined the team midseason from Miami, reflected on the special bond within the Yankees clubhouse. “I thought I was joining a baseball team, but it turned out to be a family,” he said.
Trainer’s Room Update
Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes, who has been dealing with an elbow strain, threw another successful live batting practice session. He remains on track to join the Yankees’ World Series roster. Cortes went 9-10 with a 3.77 ERA in 30 starts this season.
Mets vs. Dodgers: NLCS Game 6 Showdown
The New York Mets (89-73, third in the NL East) face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64, first in the NL West) in a pivotal Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. The game will take place on Sunday at 8:08 p.m. EDT in Los Angeles.
Pitching Matchup
For the Mets, left-hander Sean Manaea is set to take the mound. Manaea hasn’t factored into any decisions yet this postseason. The Dodgers have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Game 6.
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Dodgers are favored at -143, with the Mets listed at +121. The over/under for total runs in the game is set at 8 1/2.
Series Overview
The Dodgers currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and are just one win away from advancing to the World Series. A win on Sunday would secure their spot in the Fall Classic, while the Mets will look to extend the series to a decisive Game 7.
