Baseball fans, get ready for an exciting dive into the player stats from the thrilling matchups between the Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats! These two American League powerhouses have a storied rivalry, and their 2025 season games have delivered plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the game, this article breaks down the key player performances, stats, and highlights in a way that’s easy to understand for all ages. Let’s explore the standout players, their contributions, and what makes these games so special.
A Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats Rivalry Steeped in History
The Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats have faced off numerous times, both in the regular season and playoffs, creating a rivalry that’s always worth watching. In 2025, their matchups have been packed with high-energy plays, clutch hits, and stellar pitching. To give you a clear picture, we’ll focus on key games from the 2025 season, pulling from official stats and recaps to highlight the players who made the difference. Whether it’s a towering home run or a game-saving strikeout, these stats tell the story of the games.
Our focus will be on games like the April 21, 2025, matchup at Progressive Field, where the Guardians edged out the Yankees 6-4, and other notable contests, including their postseason clashes in 2024, which carried momentum into 2025. We’ll also include a table summarizing key player stats for easy reference.
April 21, 2025: Guardians Triumph 6-4
One of the standout games of the 2025 season was the April 21 clash at Progressive Field. The Guardians, led by their superstar José Ramírez, took down the AL-leading Yankees in a 6-4 victory. Let’s break down the key performers and their stats from this game.
Cleveland Guardians: Offensive Firepower
The Guardians’ offense came alive, particularly in the third inning, where they erupted for four runs. Here’s how their top players performed:
- José Ramírez (3B): Ramírez was the star of the show, smashing a three-run home run off Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt in the third inning. His homer gave the Guardians a 3-0 lead, setting the tone for the game. Ramírez finished 1-for-4 with 3 RBIs, showcasing why he’s a perennial MVP candidate. His 2025 season stats are equally impressive, with a .324 batting average and 13 home runs by mid-season.
- Kyle Manzardo (DH): The young designated hitter followed Ramírez’s homer with a solo shot of his own, a 356-foot blast to right field. Manzardo went 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, proving he’s a rising star in Cleveland’s lineup. His power at the plate is a big reason the Guardians have climbed the AL Central standings.
- Brayan Rocchio (SS): Rocchio contributed with a one-out single in the fourth inning, driving in Angel Martinez to extend the lead to 5-0. He finished 1-for-3 and was hit by a pitch, showing his ability to get on base and spark rallies.
- Steven Kwan (LF): The Gold Glove outfielder went 1-for-4 with a double and scored a run on Ramírez’s RBI single in the sixth. Kwan’s consistency at the top of the lineup makes him a tough out for any pitcher.
Guardians’ Pitching: Holding the Line
On the mound, the Guardians relied on starter Gavin Williams, who delivered a strong performance despite a late Yankees rally:
- Gavin Williams (RHP): Williams pitched 6.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits with 6 strikeouts. His ability to shut down the Yankees’ potent lineup through six innings was crucial. He struck out Aaron Judge twice, a testament to his composure under pressure.
- Paul Sewald (RHP): Sewald came in relief in the seventh, retiring two batters to preserve the lead. However, he gave up a two-run homer to Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the eighth, making it a 6-4 game.
- Cade Smith (RHP): The rookie closer sealed the deal in the ninth, striking out Austin Wells and Aaron Judge to earn the save. His poise in high-pressure situations highlights why he’s a key part of Cleveland’s bullpen.
New York Yankees: Fighting Back
The Yankees didn’t go down without a fight, with their offense showing flashes of brilliance:
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B): Chisholm hit a two-run homer in the eighth off Sewald, cutting the Guardians’ lead to 6-4. He finished 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs, proving his value as a midseason acquisition for New York.
- Jasson Dominguez (LF): The young outfielder hit a two-run homer in the seventh, making it 6-2. Dominguez went 1-for-4, showing his potential as a future star.
- Aaron Judge (RF): The likely AL MVP struggled, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Despite this off night, Judge’s season stats remain stellar, with a .392 batting average and leading the league with 48 home runs by August 2024.
- Clarke Schmidt (RHP): The Yankees’ starter had a tough outing, allowing 5 runs on 5 hits over 4 innings. Ramírez and Manzardo’s back-to-back homers in the third were the difference, as Schmidt couldn’t find his rhythm.
June 5, 2025: Yankees Dominate 4-0
Fast forward to June 5, 2025, at Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees flipped the script with a 4-0 shutout over the Guardians. This game showcased New York’s pitching prowess and timely hitting.
New York Yankees: Offensive Highlights
The Yankees’ bats were led by Cody Bellinger, who had a monster game:
- Cody Bellinger (CF): Bellinger went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and 3 RBIs. His homer in the second inning gave the Yankees an early lead, and his RBI single later sealed the deal. Bellinger’s versatility in the outfield and at the plate has been a game-changer for New York.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B): Chisholm added a run-scoring single, going 1-for-4 with 1 RBI. He also stole a base, showcasing his speed and athleticism.
- Aaron Judge (RF): Judge reached base three times, including a hit and two intentional walks, finishing 1-for-1. His presence in the lineup forced the Guardians to pitch carefully, opening opportunities for others.
Yankees’ Pitching: A Masterclass
The Yankees’ pitching staff was lights-out, led by Max Fried:
- Max Fried (LHP): Fried tossed 6 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit—a single to José Ramírez—while striking out 7. His command was impeccable, retiring 15 of the last 16 batters he faced. This performance was a bounce-back from a rough outing, proving why he’s a cornerstone of the Yankees’ rotation.
Guardians’ Struggles
The Guardians’ offense couldn’t get going against Fried’s dominance:
- José Ramírez (3B): Ramírez went 1-for-4 with an infield single but couldn’t spark a rally. His lone hit was a bright spot in an otherwise quiet day for Cleveland.
- Carlos Santana (1B): Santana went 0-for-4, leaving two runners in scoring position. Despite his Gold Glove defense, his bat was silent in this game.
- Logan Allen (LHP): The Guardians’ starter struggled, though specific stats from this game are unavailable. The Yankees capitalized on his mistakes, particularly Bellinger’s homer.
Postseason Flashback: October 2024 ALCS
To understand the 2025 matchups, it’s worth revisiting the 2024 ALCS, where the Yankees took a 3-1 series lead over the Guardians. Game 4 (October 18, 2024) saw the Yankees win 8-6, thanks to a late rally.
Yankees’ Key Performers
- Giancarlo Stanton (DH): Stanton’s three-run homer in the sixth was a game-changer, giving the Yankees a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. He finished with 3 RBIs, earning praise as the top performer.
- Aaron Judge (RF): Judge hit a homer and drove in 2 runs, going 1-for-4. His ability to deliver in clutch moments was evident, even if his postseason batting average was .143 at the time.
- Juan Soto (LF): Soto added a homer and 1 RBI, contributing to the Yankees’ offensive outburst.
Guardians’ Fight
- Jhonkensy Noel (RF): Noel’s pinch-hit, two-run homer in the ninth tied the game, keeping Cleveland’s hopes alive. His clutch performance earned him the nickname “Big Christmas”.
- David Fry (C): Fry’s two-run homer in the 10th gave the Guardians a brief lead, but they couldn’t hold on.
- Kyle Manzardo (DH): Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the third, showing his postseason poise.
Key Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats Table
Here’s a summarized table of key player stats from the April 21 and June 5, 2025, games, plus notable 2024 ALCS performances:
| Player | Team | Game | AB | H | HR | RBI | AVG | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Ramírez | Guardians | Apr 21, 2025 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | .324 | 3-run HR, season leader in AVG |
| Kyle Manzardo | Guardians | Apr 21, 2025 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | Solo HR, 356 ft |
| Brayan Rocchio | Guardians | Apr 21, 2025 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | RBI single, hit by pitch |
| Steven Kwan | Guardians | Apr 21, 2025 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | Double, scored a run |
| Gavin Williams | Guardians | Apr 21, 2025 | – | – | – | – | – | 6.1 IP, 2 R, 6 K |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | Yankees | Apr 21, 2025 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | – | 2-run HR, stole a base |
| Jasson Dominguez | Yankees | Apr 21, 2025 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | – | 2-run HR |
| Aaron Judge | Yankees | Apr 21, 2025 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .392 | 2 K, season leader in HR |
| Cody Bellinger | Yankees | Jun 5, 2025 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | – | 2-run HR, RBI single |
| Max Fried | Yankees | Jun 5, 2025 | – | – | – | – | – | 6 IP, 1 H, 7 K |
| Giancarlo Stanton | Yankees | Oct 18, 2024 | – | – | 1 | 3 | – | 3-run HR in ALCS Game 4 |
| Jhonkensy Noel | Guardians | Oct 18, 2024 | – | – | 1 | 2 | – | Pinch-hit HR in ALCS |
| David Fry | Guardians | Oct 18, 2024 | – | – | 1 | 2 | – | 2-run HR in ALCS |
What Makes These Matchups Special?
The Yankees vs. Guardians games are more than just stats—they’re about heart, hustle, and history. Here’s why these games resonate with fans:
- Star Power: Players like Aaron Judge and José Ramírez are among the best in baseball, delivering jaw-dropping moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
- Young Talent: Rookies like Kyle Manzardo and Jasson Dominguez are showing they can compete with the veterans, adding excitement to the rivalry.
- Pitching Duels: Whether it’s Gavin Williams’ strikeouts or Max Fried’s shutout innings, the pitching battles are always intense.
- Playoff Implications: These teams have met in the postseason multiple times (2022 ALDS, 2024 ALCS), and their 2025 games could set the stage for another October showdown.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats in 2025 have been a showcase of baseball at its finest. From José Ramírez’s clutch home runs to Aaron Judge’s towering presence, these games are packed with drama and excitement. Whether you’re rooting for the Guardians’ young core or the Yankees’ star-studded lineup, the player stats tell a story of skill, strategy, and passion.