The Yankees and Guardians face off in Game 5 of the ALCS, with high stakes on both sides. The Yankees are just one win away from their first World Series appearance since 2009, while the Guardians need a victory to stay in the game and push for Game 6.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted after Game 4 that he wasn’t sure how they would secure all 27 outs needed for the win. With closer Luke Weaver theoretically unavailable and starter Luis Gil pitching only four innings, key outs had to come from Jake Cousins and Mark Leiter Jr., who was added to the roster just before the game.
Fans might wonder if their team can hold up under this intense pressure. Setup men Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle have been heavily used, leaving Boone with limited options. Tim Hill has also been overworked but might still be called upon despite his recent load.
Guardians: Can Bibee Deliver?
Cleveland’s ace Tanner Bibee struggled in Game 2, going only 1â…“ innings due to ineffectiveness. This short outing allows him to return on short rest for this do-or-die match. “Just one less light day pretty much,” Bibee remarked about his preparation changes.
Like New York, Cleveland’s bullpen is running low on energy. Cade Smith’s fastball speed dipped below his season average in Game 4, showing signs of fatigue. Emmanuel Clase has also faced challenges this postseason, raising questions about whether he can bounce back when it matters most.
With everything at stake, Stephen Vogt will make any necessary moves to clinch a win in Game 5. However, without a strong performance from Bibee—who hasn’t pitched five full innings since late September—the Guardians’ chances of turning the series around seem slim.
As we look forward to an exciting matchup tonight, what do you think will happen?
