Yankees’ gutsy bullpen sets stage for Stanton to clinch ALDS Game 3 win

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The Yankees’ 3-2 win in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals was anchored by an outstanding bullpen effort. Four relievers combined to record the final 13 outs, holding the line until Giancarlo Stanton’s decisive home run secured the victory.

Starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who exited after 4 ²/₃ innings, expressed full confidence in the bullpen, crediting it as one of the team’s key assets throughout the season, “I think that’s been one of our strengths, if not our main strength, the whole year.” .

Notably, of the 13 outs recorded by the bullpen, only one came via strikeout. This statistic highlighted the Royals’ resilient approach at the plate and the Yankees’ ability to rely on solid defense, despite some players covering unfamiliar positions.

The Yankees’ bullpen, which posted a 3.62 ERA during the regular season despite dealing with numerous injuries, has been nearly flawless in the postseason. They’ve yet to allow an earned run in 13 ²/₃ innings during this series.

Weaver seals it after Yankees relievers proved their mettle

Closer Luke Weaver, who locked down the final five outs, remarked that overpowering opponents isn’t always necessary, stressing the importance of adapting on the mound and acknowledging the skill on both sides of the field. He added that sometimes a bit of luck plays a role, though that wasn’t the case in this game.

“It’s not always going to be, I guess, dominant,” the Yankees closer told after the win. “You’re trying to change up your approaches as a pitcher, you’re trying to pitch them differently. But there’s some really good players that are all over the field, so you just sometimes cross your fingers.” 

Weaver, who has emerged as a dependable closer since stepping into the role in September, completed the game with a calm, efficient ninth inning.

This game underscored the value of a versatile and resilient bullpen, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, where every out matters in tight contests against tough opponents.

The Royals’ final bid to stay alive in Game 3 ended quickly when pinch-hitter Tommy Pham grounded out on the first pitch of his at-bat.

Clay Holmes, who had earlier lost his closer role, played a key part in preserving the Yankees’ 3-2 victory, echoing the late-game heroics of David Robertson in past seasons. Holmes entered in the fifth inning with runners on the corners and the Royals having just tied the game. He escaped the jam and followed up with a perfect sixth, maintaining the 2-2 score.

Tommy Kahnle (1-0) continued the bullpen’s dominance, retiring all four batters he faced, including the first out of the eighth. Manager Aaron Boone commended the relievers for their ability to “shorten the game,” setting the stage for closer Luke Weaver to finish the job.

Weaver faced immediate pressure when Bobby Witt Jr. led off with a single. However, shortstop Anthony Volpe delivered a game-saving defensive play, making a diving catch behind second base to rob Vinnie Pasquantino of a hit that could have put runners on the corners with only one out. 

Though the Royals eventually placed runners on the corners with two outs, Weaver induced a flyout from Yuli Gurriel, a long-time thorn in the Yankees’ side, to end the threat.

After the game, Aaron Judge emphasized the importance of securing a lead when the bullpen is firing on all cylinders. He praised the relievers for their ability to adapt to various situations and match up well against different hitters, underscoring their pivotal role in the win.

“That’s why it’s so important getting a lead,” the Yankees captain remarked. “They’re so electric.You got so many different guys that can match up well against different types of hitters. My hat’s off to them. It’s just about getting the lead and throwing it to those guys.”

This game highlighted the Yankees’ bullpen as a decisive factor in postseason success, showcasing their ability to handle high-pressure moments and protect narrow leads against tough opponents.

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