By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK — Juan Soto’s home run punctured Cleveland pitching, which then went wild.
Soto put New York ahead in a three-run third inning, and the Yankees beat the Guardians, 5-2, on Monday night in an American League Championship Series opener that included Cleveland throwing five wild pitches and walking nine batters.
Giancarlo Stanton added his 13th career postseason homer for the Yankees, who are seeking a record 41st AL pennant and their first since winning the 2009 title.