{"id":87352,"date":"2024-10-08T15:30:28","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T19:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=87352"},"modified":"2024-10-08T15:30:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T19:30:28","slug":"yankees-keys-to-winning-alds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/10\/08\/yankees-keys-to-winning-alds\/","title":{"rendered":"What the Yankees Need to Do Now to Make the ALCS"},"content":{"rendered":"

After securing the American League’s top record<\/a>, the New York Yankees find themselves tied 1-1 with the Kansas City Royals in their postseason series. A thrilling 6-5 Game 1 victory gave way to a disappointing 4-2 loss in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees’ sluggish start has raised concerns. Their typically potent offense has stagnated, starting pitching has been uncharacteristically erratic, and their star player has struggled. However, panic isn’t warranted \u2013 yet. Amidst the struggles, several positives have emerged, providing a foundation for optimism.<\/p>\n

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As the series shifts to Kansas City for Game 3, Clarke Schmidt<\/a> and Seth Lugo<\/a> will take the mound for their respective teams. To regain momentum and advance to the ALCS, the Yankees must focus on these three crucial areas.<\/span><\/div>\n
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3 Crucial Steps for the Yankees to Reach the ALCS<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Dawg is Back!<\/h3>\n

It’s no secret that Alex Verdugo<\/a>‘s first (and perhaps only) season in pinstripes hasn’t gone too well. The left fielder held himself accountable following Saturday’s win, after being named the starting left fielder<\/a> just a few days prior.<\/p>\n

“Fans booing me, fans getting on me, I understand it. I was booing myself too…You can make up for a lot of things in the playoffs.”<\/p>\n

This mentality already seems to be paying off for the 28-year-old, who recorded an RBI single that ended up being the game-winning hit in Game 1. But even when Verdugo wasn’t producing with the bat, he earned a mainstay in the lineup because of his spectacular defense.<\/p>\n

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Dugie’s defense was on display tonight \ud83d\udc36 pic.twitter.com\/YvWFueaOtb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 6, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n