ALDS Game 5 recap: Yankees continue Indians’ misery with 5-2 win

The New York Yankees took down the Cleveland Indians, 5-2, in Game 5 of the 2017 ALDS in Cleveland.

The New York Yankees have overcome the unthinkable. They were counted out by nearly everybody following a devastating Game 2 loss in 13 innings. But even if few other did, they believed. New York defeated the Indians in Game 5, 5-2, capping off a 3-game comeback.

Although the matchup was supposed to be a pitching duel, it did not take long for runs to light up the scoreboard. Didi Gregorious led things off in the first with a solo-shot to right. In addition to his solo dinger in the first, Gregorious struck again. “Sir Didi” knocked in Brett Gardner on another moon-shot to right field. Gregorious’ early pair of home runs was enough to knock out Corey Kluber in the fourth inning. The Indians ace exited after 3.2 innings after allowing three hits and three runs. In addition, Kluber struck out six and walked a pair. Strangely enough, Kluber was replaced by Andrew Miller, who made a rare early appearance.

For the Yankees, Sabathia began the game in dominating fashion. He turned the clock back a few years, tossing nine strikeouts in 4.1 innings of work. However, Sabathia’s night came to an end after allowing two earned runs in the fifth. Roberto Perez and Giovanny Urshela drove in the two runs with singles off Sabathia.

Furthermore, the bullpens traded fantastic innings throughout the remainder of the night. However, after a 12 pitch at bat, Cody Allen surrendered a hit to Brett Gardner. Gardner drove in Aaron Hicks, but an error by Jay Bruce scored Todd Frazier. Finally, Aroldis Chapman closed out the Indians in the ninth as the Yankees completed the comeback, defeating the Indians in three straight games to take the series 3-2.

Three Stars

1. Didi Gregorius: Gregorius was 3-4 with 3 RBI on two home runs. His two homers knocked Kluber out of the game and gave the Yankees enough runs to win.
2. CC Sabathia: Sabathia looked like vintage Sabathia in his 4.1 innings. Sabathia struck out nine batters over the course of his start before allowing two runs in the fifth.
3. Brett Gardner: Brett Gardner milked a 12 pitch at-bat before ripping a single into left field in the top of the ninth. Gardner’s single drove in two runs and gave the Yankees a 5-2 lead.

Highlights

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Next Game

The New York Yankees will take on the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the ALCS from Houston. First pitch is slated for 8:08 p.m. ET on Friday from Minute Maid Park. FS1 will broadcast Game 1 of the 2017 American League Championship Series.