The aggressive dispatch of Luis Rojas backfired for the Yankees early in Game 5 of the ALCS vs. the Guardians on Saturday in Cleveland.
For the second night in a row, the Yankees came close to taking the lead with just two batters, but Gleyber Torres, who led off with a single and scored the go-ahead run, was ejected at home despite Juan Soto's double. Ta.
Instead, the Yankees were forced to settle for Aaron Judge with a runner on second base and one out.
The Guardians' relay from right fielder Johnkensie Noel to second baseman Andres Jimenez to catcher Bo Naylor ended with Naylor's tag going straight into the path of Torres, who tried to shove his hand and scrape the plate. It ended with a perfectly placed relay throw. .
Even after Torres was sent to bat, the Yankees still managed to load the bases against Tanner Bibby when Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. were hit by pitches.
However, Anthony Rizzo, who had two hits in Game 4, flew into the left field seats and ended the threat.
Bibby got out of trouble despite allowing two hits and striking out two batters in the leadoff slot.
Rojas' questionable send-off — especially with Judge on deck and then Giancarlo Stanton buoyed — helped relieve the Guardians' starters in a must-win game for Cleveland.
