The New York Yankees were desperate for a run, and Giancarlo Stanton stepped up in the top of the 6th inning with a man on third to tie the game 2-2 in Game 5 of the ALCS. The game had been dominated by excellent pitching from the Cleveland Guardians, led by Tanner Bibee.
During that inning, the Yankees seemed to have figured out Bibee, but it was Stanton who finally capitalized after the Guardians pitcher had worked five solid innings and was clearly wearing down after keeping the Yankees in check.
The Yankees wouldn’t score another run until the 10th inning, when Juan Soto ultimately delivered the game-winning home run to send his team to the 2024 World Series. However, the ALCS MVP Award went to Giancarlo Stanton, who not only hit his fourth home run of the series but brought his postseason career total to 16 home runs.
In Game 5 against the Guardians, Stanton not only helped the Yankees tie the game but was also the second-most productive player on the team in his four at-bats, behind only Juan Soto and ahead of Gleyber Torres.
Stanton’s First World Series Appearance
Despite multiple postseason appearances, this will be the first time the California native will play in a World Series. After the game against the Guardians, he declared that the World Series trophy is the one he wants, as the ALCS title is just another step in his career.
Stanton’s Series Against the Guardians
Over the five-game series against the Guardians, Stanton contributed a total of four home runs, hitting one in each of the last three games, where his production was crucial for the Yankees. He also tallied 6 of the team’s 7 RBIs and recorded 4 total hits during the series.