Yankees defeat Guardians 5-2 in ALCS Game 1, Soto and Stanton homer to back Rodón

With a pair of powerful hits, a tremendous outing from their starting pitcher, and another steely performance from their newly appointed pitcher, the New York Yankees struck first in the American League Championship Series. Sluggers Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton each hit baseballs on balls over the outfield fence. Left-hander Carlos Rodón allowed just three runners on base in three innings. And Luke Weaver came on strong in the eighth inning and recorded a five-run save as New York beat the Cleveland Guardians, 5-2, in Game 1 on Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees will send ace Gerrit Cole to the mound in Game 2 on Tuesday night, looking to take a comfortable 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Ohio. But they managed to gain the upper hand.
Rodon, the often disappointing $162 million starter, bounced back from an AL Series loss by keeping his emotions in check and subduing the Rangers. He struck out 13 of the last 15 batters he faced, struck out nine batters and allowed no walks in six innings.