A Clean Sweep in Cleveland! Now a Trip to San Diego Awaits!

The Yankees rocked and rolled their way through Cleveland in a 2 game sweep in the American League Wild Card Series. A back and forth affair was one of the best postseason games we have ever seen so far in 2020. Rain, home runs, and lead changes defined Game 2, but most importantly, the Yankees came out as winners. 

The game started with not one, but two rain delays. First pitch was pushed back 50 minutes after there was not a drop of rain in Cleveland. As the first inning progressed, so did the rain. Masahiro Tanaka gave up one run before the delay and finished the inning surrendering four earned runs. Giancarlo Stanton was able to ignite the Yankee offense with a solo homer in the 2nd. The Yankees would take the lead on a Gio Urshela grand slam off of Cleveland's top relief pitcher, James Karinchak. The Yankees would tack on another run on a Stanton sac fly. Jose Ramirez responded with a two RBI double in the 5th. The Yankees released the Kraken as Gary Sanchez hit a two run home run to give the Yankees an 8-6 lead. This lead did not last long as Jordan Luplow tied the game in the 7th and Cesar Hernandez hit a go ahead RBI single in the 8th. In the ninth, the Yankees mounted a rally on walks and singles that allowed Gary Sanchez to tie the game and DJ LeMahieu to hit the game winning single. Aroldis Chapman picked up the win as he closed out the game and the series. The Yankees 10-9 win books them a trip to San Diego to face the Tampa Bay Rays.

This game can be defined as a total team effort, but Gio Urshela was the star tonight. Urshela was dominant with the bat and the glove against his former team on Wednesday night. Gio received the Yankees belt for his efforts and he was more than deserving of the honor. The lineup top to bottom had quality at bats which helped get them into advantageous counts to do damage. The Yankees looked extremely prepared to face a talented Cleveland pitching staff. This will have to continue against the Rays and their stable of arms that throw 98 mph. 

The rematch of the heated season series vs the Tampa Bay Rays will be must watch TV. Game 1 sees Gerrit Cole and Blake Snell square off in Petco Park. The Yankees will have the ability to clean the slate vs the Rays as they lost the season series eight games to two. The heated rivalry will provide non-stop entertainment but it is crucial for the Yankees to keep their cool, focus, and approach if they want to book a second consecutive ticket in the American League Championship Series. 

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