The Cleveland Guardians' mistakes continue after the Yankees score on a dropped pop-up

Game one of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankees was an error-filled mess for Cleveland.

It started in the bottom of the third inning when reliever Joey Cantillo came into the game with the bases loaded and two outs against Anthony Rizzo. Cantillo threw four balls in a row, with one bouncing off catcher Bo Naylor to give the Yankees their second run of the game.

New York got its third run on another wild pitch to the next batter, Alex Verdugo.

Things continued in the 4th inning: Cantillo walked Gleyber Torres to lead off and then threw two consecutive wild pitches to move him to third. A sacrifice fly from Aaron Judge then extended the lead to 4-0.

Three of the Yankees' four runs to that point were directly related to wild pitches. Not a recipe for success. But Cleveland entered Game 2 on Tuesday night with a chance to tie the series behind its best starter, Tanner Bibee. After a sloppy, flawed first game, it seemed obvious that manager Steven Vogt's message to his players would be to play clean, fundamentally sound baseball so as not to drag the team back into a must-win playoff game.

They didn't listen.

NEW YORK – Brayan Rocchio of the Cleveland Guardians cannot play a ball hit by Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the first inning during Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 15, 2024. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Guardians' sloppy game against the New York Yankees continues

The Yankees again got off to a strong offensive start in the second game; Gleyber Torres led off the bottom of the first inning with a double, followed by a single by Juan Soto. First and third: Nobody is after Aaron Judge. It doesn't get much better.

But Judge's postseason problems continued; With the score 0-1, he shot the ball toward second base. Certainly a routine play to get the first out of the game and create the opportunity for a double play at the end of the inning. Instead, shortstop Brayan Rocchio drifted out of position and dropped the ball at full speed.

Four runs in the first 10 innings of the ALCS from Cleveland to New York.

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The Guardians already have a significant talent disadvantage compared to the Yankees, and this year's Yankees roster is fairly mediocre compared to name value at most positions. Giving away runs is not a recipe for postseason success, regardless of team or opponent. But it's particularly difficult to overcome as a clear underdog in a hostile road environment and against a strong starter and bullpen.

Cleveland allowed two more runs in the first three innings on a double by Alex Verdugo and a Judge Sacrifice fly. And if the Yankees get contributions from the likes of Alex Verdugo and so much help from an already overwhelmed opponent, it could be a very short streak.