Mon Oct 14 02:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Yankees and Guardians Face Off in ALCS: Bronx Bombers Aim to Ride Home Field Advantage

The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians are set to clash in the American League Championship Series, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday evening at Yankee Stadium. The series promises to be a rematch of epic proportions, as these two teams have met in the postseason four times since 2017, including a thrilling 2022 ALDS victory for the Guardians.

The atmosphere in the Bronx is expected to be electric, with Yankee Stadium buzzing under a “October feel” as the team vies for a pennant and a trip to the World Series.

The Guardians, fresh off their dramatic ALDS victory over the Detroit Tigers, recognize the formidable challenge ahead. Manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the Yankees’ talent, stating “We’re playing a very, very good Yankee team. We’ve seen them in the regular season. This is one of the most talented teams in the league. So we know we have our work cut out for us.”

**Game 1 will be broadcast on TBS, truTV and Max at 7:38 p.m. ET.**

**Pitching Matchup:**

* **Guardians:** Veteran right-hander Alex Cobb is expected to take the mound for Cleveland. Cobb returned from injury in Game 3 of the ALDS, allowing two runs in three innings.
* **Yankees:** Carlos Rodón will start for New York, pitching on extra rest after his Game 2 ALDS outing against the Kansas City Royals. He aims to control his emotions after a less-than-ideal playoff debut.

**Key Players to Watch:**

* **Guardians:** Centerfielder Myles Straw has been on fire in the postseason, recording at least three hits in three consecutive games.
* **Yankees:** Slugger Giancarlo Stanton led the Yankees in the ALDS with a decisive home run in Game 3 and a .375 batting average.

**Injuries and Lineup Notes:**

* **Guardians:** Infielder Tyler Freeman is out with a strained oblique and unlikely to return for the ALCS.
* **Yankees:** Anthony Rizzo (fractured fingers) and DJ LeMahieu (hip impingement) are both potential additions to the ALCS roster, while Nestor Cortes (elbow strain) continues to recover.

The series promises to be a thrilling battle, with both teams boasting strong pitching staffs and explosive offenses. The Guardians will look to capitalize on their underdog status and exploit any weakness in the Yankees’ lineup, while the Bronx Bombers are hoping to use their home field advantage to secure a series win.

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