David Fry's Historic Walk-Off Homer Secures Guardians' ALCS Game 3 Triumph

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
18/10/2024 20h10

**David Fry's Walk-Off Homer Secures Guardians' Crucial ALCS Game 3 Victory**

CLEVELAND, Ohio - In a night filled with dramatic moments and remarkable performances, David Fry etched his name into postseason history by crushing a two-out, walk-off home run in the 10th inning to propel the Cleveland Guardians to a 7-5 win against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field.

This walk-off homer marked just the third in the Guardians' postseason history, joining iconic moments by Tony Peña in the 1995 AL Division Series and Oscar Gonzalez in the 2022 AL Wild Card Series. Fry's heroics came right after rookie Jhonkensy Noel launched a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the score, demonstrating the Guardians' resilience.

The game headed into extra innings tied at 5, thanks in part to stellar defensive plays by Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor in the top of the 10th. Bo Naylor initiated the Guardians' rally with a leadoff single, advancing to scoring position after a sacrifice bunt by Brayan Rocchio. Steven Kwan's grounder to the mound saw Yankees closer Clay Holmes opting for the safe out at first, paving the way for Fry's at-bat.

Facing a 1-2 count, Fry capitalized on a 96 mph sinker from Holmes, sending the pitch over the inside part of the plate into the stands. Reflecting on the moment, Fry admitted he "blacked out" after making the connection, attributing his success to divine intervention.

Manager Stephen Vogt lauded Fry for his perseverance and leadership throughout the season, especially given the elbow injury that plagued him in the latter half. Vogt highlighted Fry's consistent contributions both on and off the field as invaluable to the team.

Fry's previous clutch performance came in Game 4 of the AL Division Series against Detroit, where his pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning secured a critical lead. Yet, he emphasized that the Guardians' collective effort after Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton hit back-to-back homers off closer Emmanuel Clase spoke volumes about their team spirit.

Fry encapsulated the team's ethos by noting their return to "Guards Ball," characterized by strategic plays and relentless effort. His walk-off highlighted a night where the Guardians showcased their true character and determination to keep their championship aspirations alive.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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