The Cleveland Guardians won a thrilling ALCS Game 3 against the New York Yankees on Thursday to bring the series to 2-1 thanks to some timely home runs in the 9th and 10th innings from Jhonkensy Noel and David Fry.
However, rookie Kyle Manzardo’s big 2-run homer in the third inning gave the team the early lead it desperately needed, and he made franchise history in the process.
Surprisingly, Elias Sports Bureau shared that Manzardo’s home run was the first time a Cleveland rookie ever hit a home run in a playoff game with at least one runner on base.
Kyle Manzardo is the first Cleveland rookie EVER to homer with at least one runner on base in a #Postseason game.
(H/T @EliasSports) https://t.co/Sp5lMnRENg pic.twitter.com/gVSMGv9MIa
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 17, 2024
It’s shocking how this is even possible considering this franchise has been around since 1901.
It was the first playoff homer and first two playoff RBIs for Manzardo, who got the start against the right-handed Clarke Schmidt on the mound for the Yanks and slotted into the No. 2 spot in the order.
Manager Stephen Vogt shook up the lineup to try to ignite this offense a bit, and it worked as the team matched its 2024 postseason high of seven runs scored.
Manzardo might have earned himself another start in Game 4 on Friday with another righty on the bump in Luis Gil, and some fans might be clamoring for him to take Josh Naylor’s spot at first base instead of simply being the designated hitter.
Manzardo, Noel, and Fry hit the big home runs for Cleveland and all have been in and out of the lineup, but it will be hard to keep them out after the performance they just had.
NEXT: Guardians Win One For The Ages And Cut ALCS Deficit To 2-1
