The Cleveland Guardians had their backs against the wall in game three of the ALCS. There were two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, and the New York Yankees needed the 27th out to go up 3-0 in the series to be within striking distance of the American League Pennant.
That was until the rookie Jhonkensy Noel, aka “Big Christmas,” stepped to the plate in almost a season-saving situation and delivered a game-tying home run to left field that would send the game into extra innings. This would lead to David Fry walking it off to get Cleveland their first win in the series.
THE SWING OF HIS LIFE!! BIG CHRISTMAS TIES IT #GUARDIANS pic.twitter.com/ji9CcxXpLO
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) October 18, 2024
Although a lot of the hitting numbers have not been anything crazy for Noel in his rookie year, the 23-year-old from the Dominican Republic has been doing one thing well since his debut on June 26. That being he has hit for power.
During 179 at-bats in the regular season, Noel hit 13 home runs, which brings his home run rate to around 7.3%. He averaged a home run every 13.8 at-bats.
Granted, this is a small sample size of plate appearances since he was called up in the middle of the summer, but it just gives the Guardians a young power hitter to work with.
Cleveland’s season is not over as they play game four against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field with a chance to tie up the series, but this home run was a cherry on top for the Guardians’ rookie from San Pedro de Macoris, D.R.
Jhonkensy Noel’s home run is the first game-tying, pinch-hit HR with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning (or later) in MLB postseason history.
— nugget chef (@jayhaykid) October 18, 2024
The 2025 season should be an intriguing one for Noel. If he can improve the rest of his hitting while maintaining his power throughout more at-bats, Cleveland may have a big-time power threat on their hands that already has etched his name in October baseball lore.
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WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo Credit: Jhonkensy Noel #43 of the Cleveland Guardians runs the bases after hitting a two run home run. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
