The 2024 American League Championship Series: Yankees vs. Guardians

As the crisp autumn air settles over New York City, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the 2024 American League Championship Series (ALCS). The iconic Yankee Stadium will be the battleground as the New York Yankees host the Cleveland Guardians in a best-of-seven series that promises to deliver drama, excitement, and a chance at baseball immortality.

ALCS Overview

The ALCS kicks off on Monday night, October 14, with Game 1 scheduled for 7:37 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on TBS, TruTV, or stream it live on Max. The Yankees earned their spot in the ALCS after a hard-fought victory over the Kansas City Royals in the Division Series, while the Guardians advanced by defeating the Detroit Tigers. With the winner of this series moving on to the World Series, both teams are poised to leave it all on the field.

ALCS Schedule

• Game 1: Mon., Oct. 14, 7:37 p.m. ET
• Game 2: Tues., Oct. 15, 7:37 p.m. ET
• Game 3: Thurs., Oct. 17, 5:08 p.m. ET
• Game 4: Fri., Oct. 18, 8:08 p.m. ET
• Game 5 (if necessary): Sat., Oct. 19, 8:08 p.m. ET
• Game 6 (if necessary): Mon., Oct. 21, 5:08 p.m. ET or 7:38 p.m. ET
• Game 7 (if necessary): Tues., Oct. 22, 7:38 p.m. ET

Where to Watch Game 1

• Date: Monday, Oct. 14
• Time: 7:37 p.m. ET
• Location: Yankee Stadium, New York
• Channel: TBS, TruTV
• Live Stream: Max
• Probable Pitchers: LHP Carlos Ródon (NYY) vs. RHP Alex Cobb (CLE)
• Odds: NYY -160 | CLE +135; Over/Under: 7.5

Team Storylines

New York Yankees: A Clear Path

The Yankees are making their second ALCS appearance in three years and their fourth in eight seasons. This year, however, they find themselves in a unique position: for the first time since 2012, they will not face the Houston Astros, a team that has eliminated them in three previous ALCS matchups. With the Astros out of the picture, the Yankees see a clear path to the AL pennant and their first World Series appearance since 2009.

Key players like Aaron Judge, who struggled in the ALDS with a batting average of just .154 (2 for 13), will need to elevate their game. Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole have been standout performers in October, and their continued excellence will be crucial for New York’s success. However, the Yankees will face a challenge in managing their bullpen, as the tighter schedule of the ALCS means they cannot rely as heavily on their go-to relievers as they did in the Division Series.

Cleveland Guardians: A Long-Awaited Return

For the Guardians, this ALCS marks their first appearance since 2016, when they captured the pennant but ultimately fell to the Chicago Cubs in the World Series. The Guardians have not tasted World Series victory since 1948, making this postseason run particularly significant for the franchise and its fans.

Under the guidance of rookie manager Stephen Vogt, the Guardians have employed a strategic approach, heavily utilizing their bullpen throughout the ALDS against the Tigers. This strategy is likely to continue against the Yankees, as Cleveland aims to leverage its pitching depth to outlast their formidable opponents. The Guardians will need to maintain their momentum and capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the series.

Key Matchups to Watch

The matchup between the Yankees and Guardians will feature intriguing individual battles that could swing the series in either direction. The duel between starting pitchers Carlos Ródon and Alex Cobb will be pivotal in setting the tone for Game 1. Ródon, known for his strikeout ability, will need to keep the Guardians’ hitters off balance, while Cobb will aim to harness his experience to stifle the Yankees’ powerful lineup.

Additionally, the performance of the bullpens will be critical. Both teams have relied on their relievers to secure victories, and how effectively they can manage high-pressure situations will likely determine the outcome of close games.

As the ALCS unfolds, fans can expect a thrilling clash of talent, strategy, and determination. With both teams eager to claim their spot in the World Series, the stakes have never been higher. The journey to baseball’s ultimate prize begins now, and the excitement is palpable as the Yankees and Guardians prepare to battle for the American League crown.