Oct 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Jhonkensy Noel (43) hits a two-run home run during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
By Ben Axelrod on

Thanks in large part to Jhonkensy Noel, Christmas came early in Cleveland this year.

Entering Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, the Cleveland Guardians found themselves trailing the New York Yankees two games to none. And despite taking a 3-1 lead over the Bronx Bombers on Thursday night, the Guardians appeared headed for heartbreak after Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton hit back to back home runs off of All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase to give New York a 4-3 lead in the top of the eighth inning.

The Yankees would extend their lead by another run an inning leader, leaving Cleveland with its back against the wall heading into the bottom of the ninth. And that was especially the case after Josh Naylor grounded into a double play, leaving the Guardians facing the game’s final out and a 3-0 series deficit.

Lane Thomas’ double — with two strikes — off of Luke Weaver gave Cleveland some life, with manager Stephen Vogt opting to pinch-hit Noel for outfielder Daniel Schneeman. The power-hitting rookie rewarded his manager’s faith by launching a two-run home run over the left field wall to tie the game at 5-5.

The game-tying home run sent the sold out crowd at Progressive Field into a frenzy, perhaps nowhere more than in the stadium’s broadcast booth. It was there that Spanish radio announcer Rafa Hernandez-Brito paid homage to the outfielder’s nickname — “Big Christmas” — by repeatedly shouting “Feliz Navidad!” as he trotted the bases.

One inning later, David Fry hit a two-run home run of his own, giving the Guardians a walk-off win while cutting New York’s lead in the best-of-seven series to 2-1. Once again, Hernandez-Brito — who calls the games with former Cleveland second baseman Carlos Baerga — met the moment, in what proved to be one of the most memorable nights in the history of the franchise.


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About Ben Axelrod

Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.

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