Giancarlo Stanton’s incredible performance in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals has solidified his position as one of the New York Yankees’ best postseason hitters in recent history. His clutch game-winning home run helped propel the Yankees to a 2-1 series lead, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
Stanton’s solo home run in the eighth inning marked his 12th career postseason homer in just 108 at-bats, giving him an impressive career postseason at-bat per home run ratio of 9.4. This places him in an exclusive category alongside Yankees legend Babe Ruth, who holds the best ratio in MLB history at 8.6. Stanton and Ruth are the only two players with a ratio lower than 10, highlighting the rarefied air that Stanton finds himself in.
Reflecting on his postseason success, Stanton emphasized the importance of being prepared for the big moments and maintaining composure under pressure. His stellar performance in Game 3 not only showcased his power at the plate but also his versatility as a player, as he even managed to steal a base – his first since August of 2020.
In contrast, Yankees star Aaron Judge struggled in Game 3, going 0-for-4 with a strikeout, bringing his postseason batting average down to .091. Judge now holds the unfortunate title of having the worst strikeout rate in MLB postseason history at 34.3%, highlighting the highs and lows that players can experience in the playoffs.
With a 2-1 series lead, the Yankees are on the brink of advancing to the American League Championship Series with ace pitcher Gerrit Cole set to take the mound in Game 4. A win in Game 4 would not only secure their spot in the next round but also grant them home-field advantage in the championship series for the first time since 2012, setting the stage for a potential deep playoff run.
Stanton’s standout performance in Game 3 not only etches his name in Yankees postseason lore but also underscores his ability to deliver when it matters most. As the Yankees look to close out the series and continue their quest for a championship, Stanton’s contributions on the field will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.