Kyle Manzardo came through with a big home run for his Cleveland Guardians during Game 3 of the ALCS at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday.
Manzardo was batting with a runner on first, one out and a 1-1 count against New York Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt threw a 94-mph sinker low and in that Manzardo roped several rows deep into the right field stands.
GOODBYE BASEBALL 💥
Kyle Manzardo SMASHES his first career #Postseason homer! pic.twitter.com/GFGHfjZBer
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2024
That home run was big for more reasons than just the distance it traveled. Namely, it gave the Guardians their first lead of the series, and the confidence boost that accompanies such a big hit.
The 24-year-old Manzardo is in his rookie season and had 5 home runs in 53 games during the regular season. That was his first career postseason home run.
He sure is making manager Stephen Vogt look good for starting him in the game.
