Stanton HR Paces New York Yankees Over Royals

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When the New York Yankees needed a big hit to take control of the American League Division Series on Wednesday night, all eyes turned to Giancarlo Stanton. And with one mighty swing, Stanton and the Bronx Bombers edged the Kansas City Royals 3-2. New York now leads the best-of-five series 2-1 as Game 4 comes along Thursday.

Stanton, though, delivered for Yankees manager Aaron Boone in a major moment. Aaron Judge has not been producing anywhere near his regular-season numbers this postseason. That’s OK for Wednesday night. It was a time for all Yankees fans to rise for a Giancarlo blast to left field.

New York Yankees Take Charge

The deciding home run came in the top of the eighth inning off Royals pitcher Kris Bubic. Stanton sized up a 3-1 pitch and didn’t miss it one bit. Kansas City tried to rally in their half of the eighth off New York Yankees reliever Luke Weaver. Bobby Witt Jr. connected on a single and Salvador Perez collected a two-out single. But Royals first baseman Yuli Gurriel flew out to end the threat.

Weaver remained out there for the New York Yankees, getting the final three outs in the ninth inning for a save. His effort put a cap on 4 1/3 innings of relief work from the Yankees bullpen.

Judge has not been a help at the plate for New York, The Associated Press reported. He’s gone 1-for-11 in the postseason series against the Kansas City Royals, only collecting an infield single. It’s been a sight to behold for Yankees fans as Judge is pretty much a shoo-in for American League MVP honors.

Yankees hitters proved to be patient at the plate, drawing nine walks off of Royals pitchers. New York has collected 22 walks in all this series alone. New York fans are also keeping their eyes on slugger Juan Soto and how he performs under the bright postseason lights. Of course, they all hope Soto resigns with the Yankees. Is he looking ahead to a big-money free-agent contract right now?

Don’t bet on it. “At the end of the day, I just try to focus on the game,” Soto said, according to an AP story. “Like you said, I love this game, and I’ve been playing this game since I was a kid. I’m here more about the game — try to win, try to find a way to win — and try to help the team.”

Kansas City Royals Fans Were on Fire

Fans were packed into Kauffman Stadium as it was the first postseason game there since 2015. Kansas City fans were rabid in cheering on their team with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and part-owner Patrick Mahomes in attendance. Legendary Royals third baseman George Brett was there, too, and grabbed some screen time with an in-game interview.

For the New York Yankees, they know that getting a Game 4 win could clinch the series and a little rest time. Gerrit Cole, a six-time All-Star, gets the starting nod from Boone. In his previous start on Saturday night, Cole allowed four runs, three earned, over five innings. He didn’t get a decision although New York won 6-5.

Kansas City will send right-hander Michael Wacha to the mound again, too. Wacha started that Saturday night game, going four innings and allowing three runs.

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Article originally written by Joe Rutland.