NEW YORK – The Cleveland Guardians had an epic showdown with the New York Yankees in the longest major league game this season, ending with a thrilling 6-run 12th inning that secured a 9-5 victory for the Guardians.
Pinch-hitter Lane Thomas emerged as the hero of the night, delivering a tiebreaking double that ignited the explosive 12th inning. Thomas, who had been struggling at the plate, came through when it mattered most, driving in his first run in over a week.
The game, which was a tense battle between first-place teams, had the atmosphere of a potential playoff preview. Both teams showed their strength early on, with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge hitting back-to-back homers in the first inning.
The score remained tied at 3 after four innings, with neither team able to break the deadlock until the 12th inning heroics from the Guardians. Thomas’ clutch hit was followed by key contributions from Jose Ramírez, Tyler Freeman, and David Fry, sealing the victory for Cleveland.
The Guardians’ performance was marked by resilience and determination, as they drew 14 walks for the first time in over four decades and showcased their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Despite a valiant effort, the Yankees fell short in their bid to secure a win, losing their third straight game. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the need for the team to improve their offensive performance in the upcoming matches.
With this victory, Cleveland extended their lead in the AL Central, while the Yankees slipped in the AL East standings. The stage is set for another thrilling matchup as the two teams prepare to face off once again on Wednesday night.
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