Oct 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) celebrates with teammates after a home run during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton Blast Historic Back-to-Back Home Runs

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated 10/17/24

Emmanuel Clase, the most dominant closer in baseball, was on the mound for the Cleveland Guardians.

Aaron Judge, the most dominant power hitter in baseball, was at the plate for the New York Yankees.

The Guardians needed one more out to get out of a jam in the top of the eighth inning in Game 3 of the ALCS at Progressive Field on Thursday night. Leading the contest 3-1, they had a chance to eat away at the Yankees' 2-0 lead in the series.

Clase jumped ahead in the count 0-2 and had the home crowd on his side, but it was Judge who got the last laugh.

The presumptive AL MVP crushed a cutter 356 feet to right. The line drive just cleared the fence for a two-run home run, tying the score 3-3.

ALLLLLLLLLL RISE!

AARON JUDGE GAME-TYING HOME RUN pic.twitter.com/P2tQxBItoi
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2024

Unfortunately for Clase, the damage didn't end there.

Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton also found himself down in the count 0-2. He then proceeded to foul off four pitches before taking Clase yard again.

BIG G
BIG HOMER
OH MY GOODNESS
THE @YANKEES LEAD pic.twitter.com/BrYT6NYMsv
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2024

The solo home run put the Yankees on top 4-3. With all the attention that was given to Judge and Juan Soto this season, it was Judge and Stanton who went back-to-back when the stakes were the highest.

According to OptaSTATS, the Yankees are the first team in MLB postseason history to be trailing by multiple runs in the eighth inning or later, then hit back-to-back home runs to take the lead.

The @Yankees are the first team in MLB postseason history to be trailing by multiple runs in the 8th inning or later but then hit back-to-back HR to take the lead.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 18, 2024

The Guardians eventually tied the game in the bottom of the ninth via Jhonkensy Noel's own clutch homer.

Clase – the best closer in the regular season – and Luke Weaver – the best closer in the postseason – each came up short on Thursday, and the game ultimately went to extra innings.