The Yankees were all about the power of positive thinking late Thursday night and into Friday afternoon. They were determined to shake off the sting of the sad loss in Game 3 of the ALCS. The team knew the stakes. But you know how it is—talking the talk and walking the walk are two very different things!

Thankfully, the Yankees stepped up when it mattered most, clinching a thrilling 8-6 victory over the Guardians in Game 4 at Progressive Field. Now that’s what we call a bounce-back! After the game, Giancarlo Stanton reminded everyone that the battle was not over yet. 

Giancarlo Stanton says no to celebration until the actual win

Stanton really came through with a massive swing, launching a three-run homer in the sixth inning that put the Yankees ahead by four runs. When the designated hitter and outfielder for the New York Yankees was asked about being so close to the World Series, he didn’t hold back: “Feels like nothing until we get it done. As far as I’m concerned, we haven’t done anything yet.” His focus is crystal clear—no celebrating until the job’s complete! That mindset is exactly what you want from a leader in the clubhouse.  

Juan Soto wasted no time, stepping up on just the sixth pitch and launching a two-run homer that soared just past the stacked bullpens in right-center field. It was the perfect way to wipe away the bitter memories of those ninth- and tenth-inning collapses from just 22 hours before. That swing not only put runs on the board but also gave the team a much-needed boost of confidence.  Aaron Boone made it clear his team was ready to move on: “Whatever happened — win, lose or draw — there was no doubt in my mind we’d come out ready to roll, ready to turn the page.”  

Yankees prep for Game 5 

Despite their self-inflicted hurdles and the nail-biting drama that has defined their ALCS battles with Cleveland, the Yankees are on fire, just one win away from their first AL title in 15 years. They know the stakes are high—this is baseball at its most intense. Every second on the field counts, every swing is crucial, and the Yankees are primed to seize their shot at glory!

Carlos Rodón is set to take the mound, aiming to punch the Yankees’ ticket to the World Series. This marks his second start against Cleveland in the series and his third of the postseason. With a bullpen running low on fresh arms, the Yankees have skillfully managed their pitching through the grind of Game 4. However, Clay Holmes is tapped out after throwing four times in five days, and Tim Hill might be sidelined for the same reason.

Tommy Kahnle, who’s been a workhorse, closing out three of the last four games, including a massive save on Friday, is likely out as well. Luke Weaver, warmed up but left unused in the ninth inning, may come in handy. But the real ace up the Yankees’ sleeve? Marcus Stroman. Untouched so far in the postseason, he’s fresh, healthy, and ready to unleash when the Yankees need him most.

The Bronx Bombers are gearing up for a moment of destiny—World Series dreams are within reach!