The Return of the King - Yankees vs Guardians (Game 3 Recap)
Is this it? Is this all you can conjure, Cleveland? While I fully expected to blow by you en route to the fall classic, I admittedly welcomed some sort of a fight. Where is the incredible defense? Where are the pesky at bats? Where is Emmanuel Clase?
After a pair of easy home victories, I don’t see how this Guardians squad even makes it to the first light on the fifth day.
I was under the impression this Bibee was an ace? Not only was I lied to, but I felt completely cheated watching this guy serve up meatballs like he’s Rizzo’s Nona. I know our first run was the product of a pop up bouncing out of Gimenez’s gold glove — but the second inning couldn’t have been more of a disaster for the Cleveland starter.
The bottom of the Yankee lineup added another run before loading the bases and sending Bibee to the showers after recording just 4 outs. We knew Vogt was going to lean on his pen in a pseudo “must-win”, but I seriously doubt he wanted to start this process in the 2nd inning. At 3–0, the stadium was absolutely rocking and it felt like a rout was on the horizon.
Unfortunately, this was not the case due to Gerrit Cole struggling once again. After escaping jams in the 3rd and 4th innings, Cole’s lack of command finally caught up with him in the 5th. Had it not been for Josh Naylor seemingly inventing a new strand of diabetes, he probably would have hit a series altering grand slam on a 2–0 cookie right down the middle. Nonetheless, the resulting sac fly and Cole’s 4th walk of the evening led to yet another premature exit for the “star” pitcher.
As much as I’d like to bitch and moan about a second terrible start for Cole, the reemergence of Clay Holmes turned out to be the prevailing narrative. The once disgraced closer cleaned up Cole’s mess and preserved the Yankee lead. Holmes has appeared in all 6 playoff games and has allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks in 6.2 scoreless innings. He deserves all the credit in the world for shutting out the noise and doing his damn job. Take notes Gerrit.
One of the nicer Yankee rallies of the postseason was marred by horrendous base running — however an Anthony Rizzo double and some heads up baserunning by Anthony Volpe gave the bombers a 4–2 lead through 6.
While the Staten Island creatures at the ballpark appreciated this celebration of Italian Heritage, I needed to see the big boys contribute to truly become my most ignorant, obnoxious self. Enter the captain, who had once again left a half dozen stranded in the early innings…
At that point, I was so scarred by Judge fly balls being caught by the centerfielder, that I barely reacted to this one off the bat. I had no faith in that ball carrying over the wall and when it did — I finally let out my first primal roar of these of these playoffs. Our captain had gotten the monkey off of his back and flung that bitch deep to right center.
The constant criticism of one of the greatest players I’ve had the luxury of rooting for was honestly starting to weigh on me. Earlier in the game, they intentionally walked the bases loaded to get to the AL MVP. In what world is this possible? Who the fuck do the Guardians think they are?
If this sign of disrespect serves as the catalyst for a Judgean heater in this series and more importantly — the next one, then I truly don’t see anyone stopping this team. Last night finally provided me with the last piece of evidence I needed to truly believe that a championship is a true possibility.
This series should by no means be returning to New York. Finish this team off and we’ll be here to welcome you back with open arms in the World Series.
