BTN News: In an electrifying showdown that captivated baseball fans, the Cleveland Guardians outlasted the New York Yankees in a marathon game that stretched into the twelfth inning, emerging victorious with a 9-5 win. The late-night battle, the longest game of the MLB season so far, was a clash of division leaders, setting the stage for what could be a preview of an intense playoff series in October. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows and showing resilience, but it was Cleveland who ultimately seized control in extra innings, thanks to a clutch performance from Lane Thomas.
Thomas, who had struggled at the plate this season with a meager .113 average in just 16 games, stepped up in the most crucial moment. Pinch-hitting for Bo Naylor in the twelfth inning, Thomas found himself in a two-strike count against Yankees’ lefty Tim Mayza. With the score deadlocked at 3-3 and a runner on second base, Thomas delivered a game-changing double to right field, driving in Daniel Schneemann, the automatic runner, and igniting a six-run explosion that would seal the game for the Guardians.
The game had all the makings of a postseason classic, with both teams showing why they are atop their respective divisions. The night started with a bang, as Dominican star Juan Soto and Yankees’ captain Aaron Judge launched back-to-back home runs in the first inning, setting the tone for a high-stakes battle. Cleveland, however, refused to back down, battling back to tie the game at 3-3 by the end of the fourth inning, thanks to contributions from José RamÃrez and Jhonkensy Noel.
As the game dragged on, the tension mounted, with both teams squandering opportunities to take the lead in the later innings. The Yankees, in particular, were left frustrated in the eleventh inning when Schneemann, the same player who would later score the go-ahead run, made a spectacular leaping catch in right field to prevent a walk-off hit, stranding two New York runners on base.
With the score still tied entering the twelfth inning, the Guardians finally broke through. Thomas’ double was the catalyst, but the rally didn’t stop there. Cleveland’s offense came alive, piling on five more runs to put the game out of reach. Tim Herrin, who had entered the game in the tenth inning, earned his fifth win of the season, thanks in part to Schneemann’s defensive heroics.
The victory was a team effort for Cleveland, with contributions from up and down the lineup. José RamÃrez, a perennial All-Star, went 1-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored, while Jhonkensy Noel had a standout performance, going 2-for-6 with two runs and an RBI. Venezuelan infielder Brayan Rocchio also made his presence felt, collecting three hits in five at-bats, driving in a run, and scoring another.
On the other side, the Yankees had their chances but ultimately fell short. Aaron Judge, who has been the heart and soul of the team, got them off to a fast start with his first-inning homer, but the Bronx Bombers couldn’t muster enough offense in the later innings. Juan Soto, who has been a consistent force since joining the Yankees, went 1-for-5 with a run and an RBI, but his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s late surge.
As the Guardians celebrated their hard-fought victory, the Yankees were left to ponder missed opportunities. The loss dropped New York to a 0-2 record in extra-inning games this season, a concerning trend for a team with championship aspirations. With two games remaining in this thrilling series, the Yankees will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage a win and maintain their division lead.
In a game that had the intensity and drama of October baseball, the Cleveland Guardians proved they could hang with the best, showcasing their depth and resilience. As both teams continue their push toward the postseason, this series could very well be a preview of a high-stakes rematch in the playoffs. For now, though, Cleveland has the upper hand, and Lane Thomas is the hero of the hour.
