Two powerful swings brought new life to the Cleveland Guardians’ season.

Thanks to a game-tying two-run home run by Jhonkensy Noel in the ninth inning, followed by a walk-off two-run shot from David Fry in the tenth, the Guardians secured a thrilling 7-5 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 3 on Thursday night at Progressive Field.

As they head into Friday, the Guardians remain very much alive in the American League Championship Series, having narrowly avoided a tough 3-0 deficit with just one out to spare.

The Yankees still hold a 2-1 lead in the series, and while their superior pitching depth may favor them for their first AL pennant since 2009, the dynamics of this series have shifted significantly.

Fry’s game-winning homer was his second major hit in the postseason; he previously hit a crucial go-ahead homer in Game 4 of the AL Division Series. He took down Yankees reliever Clay Holmes, the second formidable New York pitcher to falter in this game. Earlier in the ninth, Lane Thomas hit a clutch two-out double that revived the Guardians and set the stage for Noel, known as “Big Christmas” in Cleveland, who smashed a pitch 404 feet for the equalizer.

This dramatic turn came after the Yankees’ Aaron Judge delivered a two-run homer and Giancarlo Stanton hit a go-ahead shot in the eighth inning, off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who had allowed only two homers all season. Nonetheless, Noel’s powerful hit erased Clase’s earlier struggles along with a mishap that allowed the Yankees to score an insurance run in the ninth inning.

Game 4 is set for Friday night, featuring Yankees rookie Luis Gil and a full roster of Cleveland players. The tide could be tipping more in favor of the Guardians after this extraordinary Game 3.

– Gabe Lacques

Here’s a recap of the thrilling events from Thursday’s game:

Jhonkensy Noel’s Homer Sends Game 3 into Extra Innings

Facing a dire situation with only one out left, the Cleveland Guardians were brought back into contention with a moment of brilliance from Jhonkensy Noel.

The powerful hitter, nicknamed “Big Christmas,” launched a pitch from Yankees closer Luke Weaver 404 feet over the left center wall, tying the game at 5-5 and pushing it into extra innings.

Just when it seemed that the Yankees, spurred by back-to-back power hits from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton – with two-run and solo homers in the eighth inning – were on their way to a commanding series lead, the Guardians struck back at the unfazed Weaver.

Lane Thomas nearly hit a home run to dead center but settled for a solid double, setting the ideal stage for Noel’s turn at bat. He capitalized on the opportunity.

Noel confidently hit a 1-0 changeup well beyond the left field wall, extending the game into extra innings, where, despite being the visitors, the Yankees still held a slight advantage in their bullpen.

It’s important to note there is no automatic runner on second base for postseason games.

Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton’s Back-to-Back Home Runs Give Yankees the Lead

The American League MVP faced a tough battle against one of the best closers in the game. But even when Aaron Judge seems cornered, he rarely stays down for long.

Now, the New York Yankees appeared poised to take control of the American League Championship Series.

In the eighth inning, with two outs and a full count, Judge connected with a two-run homer off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, quickly followed by a go-ahead home run from Giancarlo Stanton, putting the Yankees ahead 4-3.

The Yankees had struggled against Guardians lefty Matthew Boyd for five innings, but with a 3-1 advantage before the eighth, it seemed manageable. That was until Juan Soto drew a two-out walk against Hunter Gaddis, prompting manager Stephen Vogt to bring in Clase, who had converted 47 of his 50 save opportunities this season.

Clase had also achieved five-out and two-inning saves during the AL Division Series against Detroit. However, the Tigers did not have to contend with Judge.

With the crowd still recovering from Judge’s home run, Stanton followed up by sending a ball pulsing toward the right field wall, which found the top and spun over. Now, the Yankees had a clear path to a 3-0 lead in the ALCS with just six outs remaining.

– Gabe Lacques

Andrés Giménez Expands Cleveland’s Lead in the Sixth Inning

As Ian Hamilton took over pitching for the Yankees at the start of the sixth, he walked Lane Thomas, who made it to third with one out. Tim Mayza then faced lefty Andrés Giménez, who drove an RBI single to extend Cleveland’s lead to 3-1.

Guardians Retire 13 Batters in a Row

It was yet another quick inning as Cade Smith retired Soto, Judge, and Stanton in the sixth. The Yankees were struggling, lacking any base runners since the second inning.

Ian Hamilton remained in for the Yankees in the bottom of the sixth, with the score still 2-1 in favor of Cleveland.

– Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com

Kyle Manzardo Hits Home Run to Put Guardians Ahead

CLEVELAND — Rookie Kyle Manzardo launched his first playoff home run in the third inning of Game 3, giving the Guardians a 2-1 advantage over the Yankees at Progressive Field.

Manzardo connected on a 3-1 pitch from Yankees starter Clarke