Yankees left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón will take the mound for Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians. AP Photo
The night before what was arguably the biggest game of his career, Carlos Rodón transformed into a playful sea monster for his children. After his wife, Ashley, brought home a submarine-shaped playhouse, he built it with great enthusiasm. As his kids, Willow and Bo, insisted he take on the role of a sea monster, Rodón happily joined in the fun. Yet, despite the lighthearted family time, he remained focused on the upcoming challenge.
As the night wore on and the kids were tucked into bed, Rodón took a moment to prepare for his start in Game 1 of the ALCS. He had already developed a game plan, but he wanted to jot down some last-minute thoughts. As he sat at his desk, he scribbled “KWAN,” referencing Cleveland’s talented leadoff hitter. But instead of elaborating on a strategy, he paused, crumpled the paper, and tossed it aside. He was ready for whatever came next.
The next day, Rodón showcased his skills in a stunning performance, leading the Yankees to a 5-2 victory over the Guardians. He made history by achieving 25 swing-and-misses, a record for any Yankees pitcher during a home playoff game. Over six innings, he struck out nine batters and allowed only one run, displaying impressive control and poise.
Juan Soto kicked off the scoring with a solo home run in the third inning, marking his first homer of the postseason. The Yankees capitalized on several walks and wild pitches from the Guardians’ pitching staff, building a three-run lead. While Cleveland attempted a late-game comeback, Yankees closer Luke Weaver secured the win with a five-out save, ensuring the home crowd left the stadium pleased, including notable fans like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Rodón’s transformation from his last performance to this one was remarkable. In his previous outing against the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, he struggled, allowing four runs in just 11 outs. His initial excitement quickly faded after a home run by Salvador Perez. The weight of the moment seemed to overwhelm him, and he left the game feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The narrative surrounding Rodón intensified leading up to this crucial start. Facing questions about how he would manage his emotions after that disappointing outing, he emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and channeling his energy positively. He even watched a game featuring Gerrit Cole, taking note of Cole’s calm demeanor after a solid performance.
On this occasion, Rodón delivered an entirely different experience on the mound. He ended five innings with strikeouts, maintaining a level-headed presence throughout the game. Unlike his previous outing, he avoided emotional highs and lows, allowing the Guardians only three hits, including a home run from Brayan Rocchio.
The Yankees took an early lead thanks to Soto’s impressive homer, but they continued to capitalize on Cleveland’s struggles on the mound. Rodón’s performance was aided by the Yankees' offensive momentum, with a breathtaking 439-foot home run from Giancarlo Stanton in the seventh inning that added extra cushion to their lead.
After securing the victory, Rodón kept a calm demeanor during the postgame press conference, understanding that while this win was a significant step, his journey was far from over. He was aware that the demanding nature of New York baseball meant that a single performance could not erase the memory of his previous struggles.
Rodón's journey continues, but Game 1 of the ALCS showcased the talent and determination that led the Yankees to invest in him. For Rodón, the challenge now lies in keeping that sea monster tamed and harnessing it for future games.
