Yankees 8-1 Guardians: Soto, Judge homer as Bombers reclaim AL East lead

Juan Soto and Aaron Judge delivered a stellar performance for the Yankees against the Cleveland Guardians on August 22, 2024.
Yankees
Amanda Paula
Wednesday August 21, 2024

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New York Yankees 8-1 Cleveland Guardians

The New York Yankees bounced back in game two of their series against the Cleveland Guardians with a commanding 8-1 victory at Yankee Stadium, reclaiming the lead in the AL East following the Baltimore Orioles’ earlier loss to the New York Mets.

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto delivered a commanding offensive performance, leading the Yankees to a decisive 8-1 triumph over the Cleveland Guardians. Judge launched two home runs, driving in three runs, while Soto added a two-run homer in the first inning and contributed five RBIs, leaving the Guardians’ pitching staff struggling to keep up.

Yankees duo dominates Guardians

Aaron Judge and Juan Soto maintained their offensive dominance, leading the Yankees to yet another win. Judge’s two home runs, including a solo blast in the seventh inning, pushed his major league-leading total to 47. With six home runs in his last nine games and 12 in his last 23, Judge is on pace for a remarkable 60-home run season.

Soto, matching Judge’s impact, reached a career milestone with his 36th home run, a shot off rookie Joey Cantillo. This marked Soto’s fourth multi-homer game of the season and the 38th of his career.

The Yankees‘ dynamic duo has been in top form, homering in the same game for the second consecutive time and the 11th time overall. Their combined power has led the Yankees to a 9-2 record in games where both go deep.

Soto’s contributions didn’t stop at the long ball. He tied his season-high with five RBIs, including a bases-clearing double in the fourth inning. Soto’s consistent presence on base, including a walk before Judge’s two-run shot, was key to the Yankees’ victory.

Yankees get a boost with Cortes’ strong outing

Nestor Cortes delivered a stellar performance for the Yankees against the Cleveland Guardians on August 22, 2024.
Yankees

Nestor Cortes delivered an outstanding performance, tossing seven innings of four-hit baseball, providing the Yankees with much-needed depth after their bullpen was heavily taxed the previous day. This outing marked Cortes’ first back-to-back victories since his starts on May 17 and 22.

On the other side, rookie Joey Cantillo struggled in his fourth career start, giving up seven runs on six hits over four innings, with his day ending after a pivotal double by Soto.

Cleveland’s woes continued, highlighted by Jhonkensy Noel’s solo homer in the eighth off Tim Mazya, as they endured their 11th loss in 17 games. In a move signaling frustration, Cleveland pulled Steven Kwan and Jose Ramírez after their at-bats in the seventh inning.

The Yankees roster

Lineup for the New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians on August 21, 2024.

Up next

The Yankees will look to secure a series victory in the rubber match tomorrow, with Gerrit Cole set to take the mound against Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium.

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