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How a balanced attack is aiding Yankees' championship run
New York Yankees pitcher Luke Weaver. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

How a balanced attack is aiding Yankees' championship run

The New York Yankees are making October look like an extension of their regular-season dominance. With a 1-0 ALCS lead and four postseason wins, they’re proving that balance — not star power alone — is the key to their success.

In Game 1, the Yankees showcased the formula that’s carried them through much of the season. A 5-2 victory saw Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto each crush homers, Aaron Judge chip in with a sacrifice fly RBI and Carlos Rodon deliver six dominant innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out nine. 

The bullpen, led by Luke Weaver, slammed the door with 1.2 innings of shutout ball, striking out four. The Cleveland Guardians, known for their contact hitting, struck out 14 times.

This balanced approach is nothing new for New York. Its pitching staff, which boasted a 3.74 ERA during the regular season, ranks first in the postseason with a 2.40 ERA (min. five games played). 

It’s a testament to how well-rounded this team has become. Weaver’s emergence as the closer has only made them more formidable. 

During the regular season, Weaver posted a 1.98 ERA in save situations, and in October, he’s pitched in all five Yankee postseason games, racking up four saves and allowing zero runs.

While the bullpen has thrived behind Weaver’s stellar play, the lineup has been just as steady. The offense is more than big bats; it’s patient, calculated and relentless. 

The lineup hasn't faltered despite Judge struggling to find his rhythm this postseason. New York's on-base percentage leads the postseason at .354 (minimum 156 at-bats), and it is constantly pressuring pitchers, drawing a walk every 4.6 at-bats — best in the playoffs. They also rank second overall with 34 total walks. 

This offense mirrors the disciplined, grind-it-out teams from their dynasty years.

Even with Judge not at his best, New York's lineup hasn’t missed a beat. The depth and discipline of the roster have propelled them, proving this team isn’t built on one man’s shoulders.

Stanton (1.244 OPS), Soto (1.043 OPS) and others have stepped up this postseason, keeping the offense humming and ensuring the Yankees stay dangerous at every turn.

The Dodgers might have a deeper lineup and the Guardians a stronger bullpen, but neither team has struck the balance between power, patience and pitching quite like New York.

If the Yankees continue this well-rounded attack, their opponents might find themselves chasing shadows. Power alone won’t be enough — but balance? That’s how championships are won.

New York knows October well, but this season feels different. After a season of setbacks and stiff competition from their AL East rivals, the Yankees crafted a formula that thrives under pressure. And with each passing game, they look more and more like the team to beat.

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