Yankees Defeat Guardians, Lead ALCS 3-1

The New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 8-6 on Friday night, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the American League Championship Series. Yankees closer Emmanuel Clase struggled again, allowing two runs in the ninth inning, including a go-ahead run on an error by shortstop Brayan Rocchio. Giancarlo Stanton contributed significantly with a three-run homer, while Gleyber Torres added an RBI single. The Yankees have a chance to clinch their first World Series appearance since 2009 in Game 5 on Saturday. The Guardians, facing elimination for the second time this postseason, must win three straight games to end their 76-year World Series drought. Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted for Tommy Kahnle in the ninth, who successfully closed out the game despite a late threat from Cleveland.