Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees knock out Aaron Civale in first inning

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) congratulates designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (right) after he hit a three-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning in Game 5 of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees knock out Guardians' Aaron Civale in first inning

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 10/18/22

Aaron Civale’s appearance in Game 5 of the ALDS on Tuesday between his Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees did not last long.

Civale was pulled from the game after allowing four of the first five batters to reach base. He walked Gleyber Torres on four straight pitches to start the game. Then he struck out Aaron Judge, but Civale hit Anthony Rizzo with a pitch and then allowed the big blow — a three-run home run to Giancarlo Stanton.

Giancarlo Stanton: 107.5 MPH, 379 feet, three runs. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/LUUDlY1bYv

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) October 18, 2022

Next up was Josh Donaldson, who reached on an infield single. After Donaldson reached, Cleveland manager Terry Francona pulled Civale from the game and inserted reliever Sam Hentges.

That was hardly the start Civale wanted to make in a winner-take-all playoff game.

The winner of the game faces the Houston Astros in the ALCS.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: