Immediate reactions to the Cleveland Guardians dropping ALDS Game 1

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a single against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning in game one of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 11, 2022 in New York, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

The Guardians Need to Limit the Long Ball

The Yankees scored more than 50% of their runs this season via the home run. Game 1 was no different, with Harrison Bader hitting a solo shot in the bottom of the third, and Anthony Rizzo hitting a two-run bomb after Aaron Judge drew a leadoff walk.

Quantrill was an optimal matchup for the Yankees in Game 1, as he pitches to contact more than any other pitcher they will face in this series. Game 2 and 3 starters Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie will likely present a tougher challenge for the Yankees, especially with their high strikeout totals and low batting average against this season. If Bieber and McKenzie can keep the ball in the yard, look for the Guardians to come back and make this a very interesting series.