Extra-inning home runs that decide postseason series are rare events. Juan Soto made headlines with his 10th-inning homer in Game 5 of the ALCS, propelling the Yankees towards the World Series against the Cleveland Guardians.
Such moments don’t happen often, especially for the Yankees. Soto joined an exclusive club of just two Yankees who have ever hit an extra-inning home run to clinch a postseason series. His opportunity came after Giancarlo Stanton tied the game with a crucial homer in the sixth inning.
With two outs and two runners on base, Soto faced Hunter Gaddis, a pitcher known for his stingy ERA and few home runs allowed during regular play. After a tense seven-pitch battle filled with fouls and takes, Soto finally got his pitch—a high fastball—and sent it flying.
May we once again re-introduce, The Generational, Juan Soto.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees)
Yankees fans might think this is one of those unforgettable moments they live for.
Header Text: Historic Homers
Let’s not forget another legendary extra-inning homer by Aaron Boone back on October 16, 2003. In Game 7 of the ALCS against their fierce rivals, the Red Sox, Boone stepped up in the 11th inning at Yankee Stadium. He had entered as a pinch-runner earlier but waited until this crucial moment to swing at Tim Wakefield’s first pitch.
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/dBWfy3viiwk
Boone’s walk-off was different from Soto’s away-game heroics but still shares a special place in Yankee history.
The Yankees have had their share of extra-inning homers since 2000—six to be exact—but few can compare to those that seal a series victory. Only Boone truly knows how Soto feels right now among current Yankees.
What do you think about these incredible moments?
