KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A few more playoff games like this and no one will be able to complain about Giancarlo Stanton's contract or base running.
Stanton missed Thursday for more early batting practice after hitting the game-winning home run in Game 3.
And while Stanton didn't go deep again in the decisive 3-1 win over Kansas City, the DH once again paid off.
In the top of the second inning with a one-run lead, Stanton hit a 110 mph double down the right field line to take the lead.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. struck out, Anthony Volpe hit to right, and Alex Verdugo was stranded at second base with a grounder.
However, Stanton was able to extend the Yankees' lead even further in the sixth inning.
When the Yankees' best hitter showed his first postseason brilliance at the plate, he followed Aaron Judge's lead-off double and advanced to third base on Austin Wells' groundout, then hit the center field into the drawn infield. He hit a 116 mph single over the top. .
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Gerrit Cole took the mound and gave the Yankees a three-point lead.
Stanton also left his mark on the Yankees' Game 3 victory. He had three hits and surprised his teammates with his first stolen base since 2020.
There were no base pass thefts every Thursday.
His October success included entering Thursday second only to Babe Ruth in home run frequency among players with at least 100 at-bats in the playoffs. He hit 12 home runs in 109 at-bats, averaging 9.08 home runs per AB, compared to 8.60 for Ruth. .
More importantly, the Yankees are 24-4 this season, including the playoffs, when Stanton hit his home run.
And Stanton has a high RBI rating, hitting the mark in three consecutive games.
Strangely, Stanton was removed from the game in favor of pinch runner Duke Ellis after being given an intentional walk with two outs in the eighth inning.
Chisholm grounded out to end the inning, and Stanton's night was over.
The Yankees' bullpen handled the final two innings, and Stanton's bat was not needed for the rest.
