The Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees delivered a Game 3 American League Championship Series matchup for the ages. Guardians fans at Progressive Field were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, ultimately erupting in celebration after a dramatic walk-off home run secured a 7-5 victory. After dropping the first two games in New York, this win was crucial for Cleveland, narrowing the series deficit to 2-1 and injecting vital momentum into their playoff run. This game was packed with twists, including late-game heroics and stunning home runs, making it an instant classic for baseball fans.
Game 3 Highlights: A Wild Ride at Progressive Field
Game 3 was anything but predictable. After a tight pitching duel for much of the game, the tension escalated in the later innings. The Yankees struck first, taking a 1-0 lead, but the Guardians responded with a two-run home run from Kyle Manzardo, seizing their first lead of the series. The back-and-forth battle continued into the eighth inning when, in a moment of pure shock for the home crowd, Yankees power hitters Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton blasted back-to-back home runs off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, flipping the lead to 5-3 in favor of New York.
Ryan Lewis Akron Beacon Journal
Ryan Lewis Akron Beacon Journal
However, the Guardians, fueled by the energy of their home crowd, refused to surrender. Facing their final outs in the bottom of the ninth, pinch-hitter Jhonkensy Noel stepped up to the plate and launched a game-tying two-run home run, sending Progressive Field into a frenzy. The game then went into extra innings, where after a masterful defensive play by Andres Gimenez and Josh Naylor, and scoreless pitching from Pedro Avila, David Fry etched his name into Guardians’ lore. With two outs in the bottom of the tenth, Fry crushed a two-run walk-off home run, sealing the unforgettable 7-5 victory for Cleveland.
Key Moments That Defined Game 3
- Jhonkensy Noel’s Clutch Home Run: Down to their last out, Noel’s pinch-hit, two-run homer in the 9th inning tied the game and ignited the Guardians comeback.
- David Fry’s Walk-Off Heroics: Fry’s two-run home run in the 10th inning secured the win and delivered a moment Guardians fans will remember for years.
- Back-to-Back Yankees Bombs: Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton’s consecutive home runs in the 8th inning briefly silenced the crowd and gave the Yankees a late lead, showcasing their offensive power.
- Matthew Boyd’s Solid Start: Boyd provided a much-needed strong start for Cleveland, allowing only one run in five innings, helping to conserve the bullpen.
- Gimenez and Naylor’s Defensive Gem: Their incredible play in the 10th inning prevented a potential Yankees hit and kept the game tied, highlighting the Guardians’ defensive prowess.
Where to Watch Guardians and Yankees Games: Broadcast Information
For fans looking to catch future Guardians and Yankees matchups, or to re-watch highlights from this thrilling Game 3, here’s how you can tune in:
Television Broadcast:
- National Broadcast: Games in the American League Championship Series, like Game 3, are nationally broadcast. For this series, TNT is the primary broadcaster.
- Simulcast: Games are also simulcast on TBS and available for streaming on Max. Check your local listings for the most accurate channel information.
Radio Broadcast:
- Local Radio: In Cleveland, you can listen to the Guardians games on WMMS 100.7, WTAM 1100, and WARF 1350.
- ESPN Radio: National radio broadcasts are also available on ESPN Radio.
Streaming Services:
- Max: As mentioned, Max streams the TBS simulcast of the games.
- MLB.TV: For out-of-market viewers or those who prefer streaming, MLB.TV (subscription required) often carries live games, although blackout restrictions may apply depending on your location and the specific game broadcast. Check MLB.TV for replay availability as well.
- TNT and TBS Apps: If you have a cable subscription that includes TNT or TBS, you can likely stream games via the TNT or TBS apps by logging in with your TV provider credentials.
Game Schedule Reminder (as of Game 3):
- Game 3: New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians – Thursday, Oct. 17, 5:08 p.m. (Already Played – Game Recap Above)
- Game 4: New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians – Friday, Oct. 18, 8:08 p.m.
- Game 5: New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians – Saturday, Oct. 19, 8:08 p.m.*
- Game 6: Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees – Monday, Oct. 21, 5:08 p.m.*
- Game 7: Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees – Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7:38 p.m.*
* = If Necessary
This Game 3 victory was a must-win for the Guardians, and they delivered in spectacular fashion. Make sure you know where to watch as this ALCS series continues to unfold, promising more exciting baseball between the Yankees and Guardians.
Ryan Lewis Akron Beacon Journal
