CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians still do not have a hit with runners in scoring position, but they have a 2-1 lead in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series thanks to Kyle Manzardo.
Cleveland’s rookie designated hitter crushed a 3-1 sinker from Yankees righty Clarke Schmidt to the seats in right field with Brayan Rocchio aboard at first. It was Manzardo’s first career postseason home run and it gave Cleveland its first lead of the series.
It was Manzardo’s second hit of the game after a bloop single to right in the first inning. Manzardo entered the game batting .167 (2 for 12) with three strikeouts in 12 previous playoff plate appearances.
The Guardians, meanwhile, are still 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position after José Ramírez, Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas each went hitless in the first inning after Steven Kwan and Manzardo reached base. Cleveland is 1 for 14 (.007) with RISP so far in the ALCS.
