Lane Thomas delivered a pivotal double to ignite a six-run rally in the 12th inning, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 9-5 victory over the New York Yankees on Tuesday night. The game, which stretched to 4 hours and 5 minutes, became the longest in Major League Baseball this season.
Both teams entered the matchup tied for first place, setting the stage for a potential playoff preview. The tension was palpable from the start, as Juan Soto and Aaron Judge hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning. However, the Guardians quickly matched the Yankees, and the score stood at 3-3 after four innings. Despite multiple opportunities, neither team could break the tie until the 12th inning.
Thomas, who had struggled throughout his recent stint with Cleveland, came through in a crucial moment. With the bases loaded and the game tied, he pinch-hit for Bo Naylor and lined a double into right field, scoring automatic runner Daniel Schneemann. This hit set the stage for a decisive inning.
Jose Ramírez, who had been intentionally walked in the 10th, followed with an RBI single off Michael Tonkin. Tyler Freeman walked, and David Fry delivered a bases-loaded triple, extending the Guardians’ lead to 8-3. Jhonkensy Noel added an RBI infield single, further solidifying the lead.
In the latter part of the game, Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase made his first two-inning appearance of the season, retiring Alex Verdugo to end the 10th inning. Tim Herrin (5-0) played a critical role in the 11th, with Schneemann making a leaping catch to prevent further Yankees scoring.
Scott Barlow, who allowed Judge’s two-run double, completed the game. The contest was notable for its high number of walks, with both teams combining for 28—Cleveland drew 14 walks, and the Yankees issued the same number, a rarity for them.
The Yankees, after rookie starter Luis Gil left due to back tightness in the fourth inning, used all eight of their relievers. Despite early contributions from Soto and Judge, New York struggled with runners in scoring position, going just 1-for-16 and stranding 12 baserunners.
Manager Aaron Boone noted the team’s ongoing offensive struggles and the missed opportunities that contributed to the loss. With the defeat, the Yankees fell a half-game behind the Orioles in the AL East, while the Guardians expanded their lead in the AL Central to 3.5 games over Kansas City and Minnesota.
Gil’s performance was marked by difficulty, as he allowed three runs on three hits, walked six batters, and struggled with his control, throwing first-pitch strikes to only six of 19 hitters.
