Game 1 of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals lived up to its billing, with plenty of twists, turns, and unexpected moments. As the two teams prepare for Game 2, the excitement is building for what promises to be another pivotal matchup at Yankee Stadium.
A Game 1 to Remember
Saturday’s opener in the Bronx was a classic postseason see-saw battle, with both teams delivering moments of brilliance. One notable sideline observer was Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo, sidelined due to fractured fingers but still offering support to his teammates. Rizzo had a memorable exchange with Yankees manager Aaron Boone late in the game. “Rizz came up to me in about the seventh or eighth, we connected, and he was like, ‘What a game,’” Boone shared. “And I was like, ‘I was just saying that.’”
The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium was electric, with a sellout crowd providing their usual postseason roar. While Royals manager Mike Quatraro dismissed the idea that the crowd impacted his pitching staff’s struggles — as Kansas City pitchers issued an uncharacteristic eight walks — Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres believes the fans made a difference.
“The crowd was especially loud,” Torres said after the game, adding that he’s expecting the same energy for Game 2. “Everybody knows how it feels to play in New York, especially in the postseason… I know all the fans are going to support us.”
Looking Ahead to Game 2
Game 2 is set for Monday at 7:38 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. Fans can catch the action on TBS, truTV, or Max, with streaming available via MLB.TV for those in the U.S. with authenticated Pay TV providers. Fans outside the U.S. can check MLB.TV for available options to watch live games internationally.
Pitching Matchup
For Kansas City, Cole Ragans will take the mound after an impressive postseason debut last Tuesday against the Orioles, where he pitched six scoreless innings. Ragans, who exited early due to calf cramps, will look to replicate that performance against the Yankees. In his previous start at Yankee Stadium on September 11, Ragans allowed two runs over six innings, with his only blemish being a two-run homer.
On the Yankees’ side, Carlos Rodón (16-9, 3.96 ERA) is coming off a solid regular season in which he made a career-high 32 starts, a bounce-back from a disappointing debut campaign in pinstripes. Rodón has fared well against the Royals this season, boasting a 2.08 ERA in two starts. The lefty also brings playoff experience, having pitched in the 2020 and 2021 postseasons with the White Sox.
Lineup Adjustments
Facing a left-hander in Rodón, the Royals have shifted their lineup to lean heavily on right-handed bats. Despite the lefty-lefty matchup, second baseman Michael Massey remains in the lineup due to his stellar defense and quality at-bats this postseason. Royals skipper Mike Quatraro has also moved Maikel Garcia back to the leadoff spot, hoping Garcia’s speed can create chaos on the bases and set the stage for the team’s power hitters like Bobby Witt Jr..
What’s at Stake
With the Yankees taking Game 1, Kansas City will be eager to even the series before heading back home. For New York, a 2-0 series lead would give them a commanding position, especially with the Yankee Stadium crowd fully behind them. Both teams will need their aces and lineups firing on all cylinders if they hope to take control of the series.
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