In a stunning turn of events in Game 3 of the ALCS, the Cleveland Guardians found themselves on the brink of elimination before rookie outfielder Jhonkensy Noel saved the day with a game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Guardians went on to win the game in the 10th inning with David Fry hitting a walk-off two-run homer. Noel, affectionately dubbed “Big Christmas” by manager Stephen Vogt, is a 23-year-old rookie who made his MLB debut in June 2024. Despite a rocky start, with his bat slipping out of his hands on his first at-bat, Noel finished his first season with 13 home runs, 28 RBI, and a .218 batting average.
Noel’s impactful performance not only kept the Guardians’ season alive but also earned him the jolly nickname that reflects both his last name and his impressive 6-foot-3, 250-pound frame. The Guardians now face the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS with a renewed sense of hope and determination. Will “Big Christmas” continue to shine and lead his team to victory, or will the Yankees bounce back to secure their spot in the World Series? Christmas may have come early for the Guardians, but the true gift will be the outcome of the series, which hangs in the balance as the two teams prepare to battle it out on the diamond.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcnewyork.com