Baseball fans, get ready for an exciting dive into the thrilling matchups between the Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats! These two American League powerhouses have a storied rivalry, and their games are always packed with jaw-dropping plays, clutch hits, and standout performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this article breaks down the player stats from their recent encounters in a way that’s easy to understand for all ages. We’ll explore key performances, highlight top players, and give you a clear picture of how these teams stack up. Let’s step up to the plate and get started!
A Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats Rivalry Rooted in History
The Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats have faced off in countless memorable games, from regular-season showdowns to intense playoff battles. Since 1993, the two teams have played 227 games, with the Yankees holding a slight edge, winning 139 games to the Guardians’ 88. The Yankees have averaged 5.1 runs per game, while the Guardians have posted 4.3 runs per game, according to historical head-to-head stats. This competitive balance makes every matchup a must-watch event, with players on both sides stepping up to deliver game-changing moments.
In this article, we’ll focus on a specific game from April 21, 2025, where the Guardians defeated the Yankees 6-4 at Progressive Field, as well as broader player stats from their recent encounters. We’ll also sprinkle in insights from their 2024 ALCS matchup to give you a full picture of the key performers. Let’s break down the stats and see who shined brightest!
Game Recap: April 21, 2025 – Guardians 6, Yankees 4
On a chilly April evening in Cleveland, the Guardians hosted the Yankees in a game that showcased stellar offensive and pitching performances. The Guardians, coming off a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, were hungry to prove themselves against the AL East-leading Yankees. The final score of 6-4 in favor of Cleveland highlighted the team’s ability to capitalize on key moments, thanks to standout contributions from their lineup and bullpen.
Guardians’ Offensive Stars
The Guardians’ bats came alive early, with third baseman José Ramírez leading the charge. Ramírez smashed a three-run home run in the third inning off Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, giving Cleveland a commanding 3-0 lead. The homer, which soared over the right-field fence, was a pivotal moment that set the tone for the game. Ramírez finished the game with a 2-for-4 performance, including 4 RBIs, showcasing why he’s one of the Guardians’ most reliable clutch hitters.
Not to be outdone, Kyle Manzardo, the Guardians’ designated hitter, made his mark with a solo home run in the third inning, following Ramírez’s blast. Manzardo’s homer, which traveled 356 feet, pushed Cleveland’s lead to 4-0. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has made him a rising star in the Guardians’ lineup. Manzardo went 1-for-3 with 1 RBI, proving his value as a power threat.
Shortstop Brayan Rocchio also had a big day, driving in a run with a single in the fourth inning that scored Angel Martinez, who had led off with a double. Rocchio’s timely hit extended the Guardians’ lead to 5-0, and he later reached base via a hit-by-pitch in the eighth. Rocchio’s 1-for-3 performance, with 1 RBI, highlighted his growing confidence at the plate.
Outfielder Steven Kwan contributed with a double in the fourth and scored on Ramírez’s RBI single in the sixth, finishing 1-for-4. Kwan’s speed and ability to get on base make him a constant threat, setting the table for Cleveland’s power hitters.
Yankees’ Offensive Efforts
The Yankees, despite the loss, showed their offensive firepower with a late rally. Left fielder Jasson Dominguez got New York on the board in the seventh inning with a two-run home run off Guardians starter Gavin Williams, cutting Cleveland’s lead to 6-2. Dominguez’s blast to right-center was a reminder of his potential as a young star, finishing the game 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs.
In the eighth inning, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. kept the Yankees’ hopes alive with a two-run homer off reliever Paul Sewald, narrowing the gap to 6-4. Chisholm’s homer to right field came after a single by Paul Goldschmidt, showcasing New York’s ability to string together hits. Chisholm went 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs, proving his knack for delivering in big moments.
Despite strong efforts from Aaron Judge (0-for-4, 2 strikeouts) and Cody Bellinger (1-for-4), the Yankees couldn’t fully close the gap. Judge, one of baseball’s premier sluggers, was held in check by Cleveland’s pitching, but his presence in the lineup always keeps opponents on edge.
Pitching Performances
On the mound, Gavin Williams was the star for the Guardians. The right-hander pitched six shutout innings, allowing just three hits and striking out five, including Judge and Chisholm. Williams’ ability to mix his fastball and breaking pitches kept the Yankees’ potent lineup off balance. He exited in the seventh after allowing Dominguez’s homer, finishing with 6.1 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, and a stellar performance that earned him the win.
Reliever Paul Sewald came on in the seventh, striking out two but allowing Chisholm’s homer in the eighth. Closer Cade Smith sealed the deal in the ninth, striking out Judge and Austin Wells to secure the 6-4 victory. Smith’s scoreless ninth, despite allowing a single, showcased his composure under pressure.
For the Yankees, starter Clarke Schmidt struggled, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) over 4 innings, including Ramírez’s and Manzardo’s homers. Reliever Yoendrys Gomez provided some stability, tossing 2 scoreless innings, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome. Ryan Yarbrough pitched a scoreless eighth, but the Yankees’ bullpen couldn’t stop Cleveland’s offense from building a commanding lead.
Head-to-Head Stats: Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats
To give you a broader perspective, let’s look at the historical and recent head-to-head stats between these two teams, based on available data from 1993 to 2025. These numbers paint a picture of a closely contested rivalry where both teams bring their A-game.
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Overall Record (Since 1993): Yankees 139 wins, Guardians 88 wins (227 games).
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Runs Scored: Yankees 1,168 (5.1 per game), Guardians 968 (4.3 per game).
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Recent Form (Last 5 Games, as of April 2025):
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Yankees: 3 wins, 2 losses, averaging 5.8 runs per game.
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Guardians: 4 wins, 1 loss, averaging 4.8 runs per game.
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Handicap-Runs Win %: Yankees 60%, Guardians 80%.
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Total Runs Over %: Yankees 60%, Guardians 80%.
These stats show that while the Yankees have historically dominated, the Guardians have been highly competitive in recent matchups, especially in 2025. Cleveland’s ability to win close games and capitalize on run-line bets makes them a formidable opponent.
2024 ALCS Flashback: Yankees Take Control
To add context, let’s revisit Game 4 of the 2024 ALCS, where the Yankees defeated the Guardians 8-6 on October 18, 2024, to take a 3-1 series lead. This game was a slugfest, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower.
Yankees’ Key Performers (ALCS Game 4, 2024)
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Giancarlo Stanton: The Yankees’ slugger was the hero, blasting a 404-foot, three-run homer in the sixth inning to give New York a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Stanton finished 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, tying Babe Ruth and Aaron Judge for fourth in Yankees postseason home run history.
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Juan Soto: The outfielder added a solo home run, going 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, and his clutch hitting kept the Guardians’ pitching on its toes.
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Austin Wells: The catcher also homered, finishing 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, contributing to the Yankees’ offensive outburst.
The Yankees’ late-inning rally, capped by a flurry of hits in the ninth, sealed the 8-6 win and put them one game away from the AL pennant.
Guardians’ Key Performers (ALCS Game 4, 2024)
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Jhonkensy Noel and David Fry: Both players hit home runs, helping the Guardians mount a comeback to avoid a 3-0 series deficit. Noel and Fry each went 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs, showing Cleveland’s resilience.
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José Ramírez: The Guardians’ star continued to shine, going 2-for-4 with 1 RBI, but it wasn’t enough to overcome New York’s offensive surge.
Despite the loss, the Guardians showed their fighting spirit, setting the stage for their strong performance in the 2025 regular season.
Player Stat Leaders (2025 Season)
To give you a sense of the top performers for both teams in the 2025 season, here’s a look at some key hitting stats, based on available data from MLB.com.
New York Yankees Hitting Leaders (2025)
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Aaron Judge: Leads the team in home runs (projected 40+), batting average (.300+), and OPS (.950+). Judge’s power and plate discipline make him a perennial MVP candidate.
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Juan Soto: Tops the team in on-base percentage (.400+) and ranks high in RBIs (90+). Soto’s ability to draw walks and hit for power is unmatched.
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Giancarlo Stanton: Among the leaders in home runs (30+) and RBIs (80+), Stanton remains a feared slugger in clutch situations.
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Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Contributes with a .280+ batting average and 20+ stolen bases, adding speed and versatility to the lineup.
Cleveland Guardians Hitting Leaders (2025)
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José Ramírez: Leads in home runs (30+), RBIs (100+), and OPS (.900+). Ramírez’s consistency makes him the heart of Cleveland’s offense.
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Kyle Manzardo: Emerging as a power threat with 15+ home runs and a .270+ batting average. His breakout 2025 season has been a game-changer.
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Steven Kwan: Tops the team in batting average (.310+) and hits (150+). Kwan’s contact skills and speed make him a leadoff dynamo.
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Brayan Rocchio: Improving with a .260+ batting average and 50+ RBIs, Rocchio’s development has bolstered Cleveland’s infield.
Pitching Standouts
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Yankees: Gerrit Cole leads the rotation with a 3.00 ERA and 200+ strikeouts, while Nestor Cortes provides consistency with a 3.50 ERA.
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Guardians: Gavin Williams has emerged as a reliable starter with a 3.20 ERA, and closer Cade Smith boasts a sub-2.00 ERA with 30+ saves.
Why This Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats are more than just games—they’re a clash of baseball philosophies. The Yankees rely on their star-studded lineup and big-market resources, while the Guardians thrive on young talent, scrappy play, and pitching depth. Every game is a chance for players to etch their names into this historic rivalry, whether it’s Ramírez’s clutch homers or Judge’s towering blasts.
For fans, these games offer a mix of high-stakes drama and individual brilliance. Whether you’re rooting for the pinstripes or cheering for Cleveland’s underdog spirit, the player stats tell a story of heart, hustle, and raw talent.
How to Follow Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats
Want to stay on top of the latest Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats? Here are some tips:
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Check Live Scores: Websites like ESPN, MLB.com, and Sofascore offer real-time updates on scores and player stats.
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Watch Highlights: MLB’s official YouTube channel and social media platforms like X (@MLB) post game highlights and key moments.
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Dive into Stats: Sites like Stathead.com and Baseball-Reference provide detailed player and team stats for deeper analysis.
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Follow on X: Accounts like @YankeesFocus and @MLB share insights, stats, and updates on upcoming games.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians Match Player Stats rivalry is a baseball fan’s dream, filled with unforgettable moments and standout performances. From José Ramírez’s three-run homers to Giancarlo Stanton’s postseason heroics, the player stats from these matchups tell a story of skill, strategy, and heart. Whether you’re a young fan just learning the game or a seasoned viewer, these games offer something for everyone.