MLB Network usually finds a way to produce entertaining content this time of the year, when the ‘Hot Stove’ is actually cold-ish.
This weekend, they put together a list of the ‘Best Games of 2024′, and if you watched the Cleveland Guardians season from start to finish, you know about a particular one that had to be up there.
They reserved the top spot for that instant World Series classic that was the New York Yankees – Los Angeles Dodgers’ matchup in Game 1, and for good reason.
However, Game 3 of the AL Championship Series between the Yankees and the Guardians had to come right after, and that was exactly the case.
“Judge and Stanton back-to-back HR off Clase. Jhonkensy Noel game-tying HR. David Fry walk-off HR. Game 3 of the ALCS between the Yankees and Guardians was LOADED with big-time moments, landing as the #2 game on our “Top Games of 2024″ list,” MLB Network posted with a video that will bring a smile to Guardians fans’ faces.
Judge and Stanton back-to-back HR off Clase.
Jhonkensy Noel game-tying HR.
David Fry walk-off HR.Game 3 of the ALCS between the Yankees and Guardians was LOADED with big-time moments, landing as the #2 game on our "Top Games of 2024" list. pic.twitter.com/6EQIfKL3li
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 26, 2025
The Yankees had scored first on a Jose Trevino RBI single in the second.
Kyle Manzardo, however, went deep the following inning with Brayan Rocchio on base and the Guards flipped the score in the blink of an eye.
An Andrés Giménez single in the sixth increased the Guards’ lead to 3-1.
In the eighth, the Yankees’ sluggers woke up: Aaron Judge tied things with a screaming liner that went out for a home run with Juan Soto on base, and Giancarlo Stanton followed that up with a solo blast of his own.
Just like that, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase had failed again and Cleveland had its back against the wall.
Luke Weaver, however, couldn’t protect the two-run lead (the Yanks produced a fifth run on a sac fly in the ninth frame) in the bottom of the ninth.
When a Josh Naylor double play ball erased an early runner and put two outs in the scoreboard, Guardians fans lost all hope and thought they were going home in a 0-3 hole in the series.
But Lane Thomas hit a long double to keep things alive, and then Christmas came in October.
Jhonkensy Noel, the man they call ‘Big Christmas’, sat on a changeup and tied the game at five with one of the longest, coolest home runs you will ever see.
Progressive Field was the loudest it had been in years.
Then, in the bottom of the tenth, it was David Fry’s turn: his two-run homer walked things off and gave Cleveland its first and only ALCS victory.
It was just the one, but it sure was entertaining.
NEXT: Guardians Young Infielder Makes Top Ten In Famous Prospects List
