CLEVELAND — When Juan Soto's game-winning home run sailed over the center field wall at Progressive Field in the top of the 10th inning of Game 5 of the ALCS on Saturday night, the Yankees' dugout erupted predictably, sending the Yankees over the edge. I was made to stand. World Series.
However, one player did not celebrate.
Luke Weaver, looking to redeem himself after making a save in Game 3 against the Guardians, remained silent as Soto rounded the bases.
The closer was in the dugout with two outs, preparing to head into the bottom of an inning that would have remained tied had Soto not hit, and now he had to protect his lead.
Weaver said of Soto's home run, “It looked a little high for my liking, but it was loud so I thought we had a chance.” “Once it came out, I had no reaction because I was in full lock-in mode. I didn't want to go into the match without having enough energy to win the match, so I knew I wasn’t going to have the energy.”
Weaver had already pitched a perfect nine innings, having been moved from the bottom of Cleveland's order and then given the No. 10 job.
And thanks to Soto's heroics, Weaver was closing out the game and pushing the Yankees out of the ALCS.
“We didn't turn a blind eye,” Weaver said. “I felt very calm and comfortable and ready to go. I was determined. I wanted to celebrate, but I celebrated later.”
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This time, Weaver had to deal with the top of the Guardians' lineup, grounding out Steven Kwan. After Kyle Manzardo's single, Jose Ramirez hit a fly ball to deep center field for two outs, Weaver hit Lane Thomas to right field, and Soto caught it for the final out. .
This game came two days after Weaver had a chance to end Game 3, but instead allowed a two-out double to Thomas before Johnkensie Noel hit a single into the left field seats in the middle of the night. That erased a two-point lead in the game. The game ended with Clay Holmes allowing a walk-off home run to David Frye in the 10th inning.
“I definitely wanted some redemption,” Weaver said of Game 5. “I wanted to go out there and finish it off… after a tough night.” [Thursday]I wanted to make sure the deal was done. ”
The two scoreless innings was Weaver's longest streak of the postseason and the fifth time he pitched more than one inning.
Weaver emerged as the Yankees' closer late in the season, and after making the first four saves of his career in September, he made four more saves in the postseason, including a Game 5 win.
When asked if he could make a few more saves in the World Series, which begins Friday, Weaver said, “I'm going to take a few days off here and be ready.”
