The Yankees have kept their hopes for a World Series alive, beating the Cleveland Guardians 5 to 1 in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

The win moves them into the ALCS and a matchup with the Houston Astros.

Giancarlo Stanton hit a 3-run homer in the first inning and Aaron Judge went deep an inning later to power the Yankees offense. Nestor Cortes threw 5 innings of one-run ball for the win.

Gerrit Cole is undeniably the ace for the Yankees, and he did exactly what he’s supposed to in this division series. Cole may not have been the absolute best starter for New York this season, but he is their most talented, and the one they will always lean on when he’s needed the most. They needed the world from Cole in the ALDS, and he delivered.

The New York Giants scored a comeback 24-20 victory over Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. 

Down 20-10 in the fourth quarter, the Giants scored 14 unanswered points to move ahead in crunch time. An interception set up the game-winning touchdown, and then rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux stripped Jackson on what could have been Baltimore’s game-winning possession.

Daniel Jones completed 19 of 27 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, one that went to rookie wideout Wan’Dale Robinson, and the other to rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger. Saquon Barkley didn’t dominate all game, but finished rushing for 83 yards and one touchdown. 

Jackson, on the other hand, completed 17 of 32 passes for 210 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Surprisingly, the offense was carried by running back Kenyan Drake, who rushed for 119 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. Mark Andrews had a huge game, catching seven passes for 106 yards and one touchdown.

MLB is using a 12-team playoff format for the first time in 2022, and eight teams are participating in the best-of-three Wild Card Series. Two teams have already advanced to the LDS: the Guardians and Mariners.

In the new Wild Card Series, the top two division winners in each league receive a bye to the Division Series, while the lowest-seeded division winner and three wild card teams will play in this round. A best-of-three series will take place, with the higher seed hosting all three games.

The best-of-three Wild Card Series will be played on three consecutive days. There is no off-day within the series. There are no off days between Games 4 and 5 of the LDS, or between Games 5 and 6 of the LCS.

MLB’s first-ever wild-card series weekend is in full swing. And three teams were sent packing Saturday. The playoff field expanded to 12 teams for the 2022 postseason, so four best-of-three series determine which teams move on to the division series.