Former Reds pitcher finally stumbles as Guardians claw back into ALCS vs. Yankees

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luke Weaver had been riding high for the past month. The New York Yankees transformed Weaver into their closer, and the right-hander enjoyed plenty of success over the last few weeks.

Weaver had been touted by some Major League Baseball experts as one of the best relievers in the game. While that was a bit over the top, the facts are hard to dispute. Weaver hadn't allowed an earned run in his final eight appearances of the regular season and had been virtually flawless in the playoffs as well.

But the version of Weaver that Reds fans remember from 2023 returned against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night, and the Yankees blew their chances of taking a 3-0 lead in the American League Championship Series.

Former Reds RHP Luke Weaver gave up the game-tying run in Yankees' Game 3 ALCS loss to the Guardians

Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who also played for the Reds during his Major League career, called upon Weaver in the eighth inning. It was going to be a multi-inning opportunity for Weaver to slam the door on Cleveland's hopes of narrowing the gap in the ALCS. New York owned a 2-0 series lead, and after back-to-back home runs from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the top of the eighth inning, the Yankees took the lead.

Weaver dispatched the Guardians final hitter in the eighth and set the stage for a ninth-inning duel against some of Cleveland's best hitters with the Yankees holding on to a two-run lead. Jose Ramirez reached on an error, but a ground ball double play cleared the bases of Guardians. Weaver battled with Lane Thomas, and the at-bat ended when the Guardians centerfielder mashed a double off the outfield wall.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt called upon pinch hitter Jhonkensy Noel, and Big Christmas (as he's affectionally known) delivered with a mammoth shot into the left field bleachers. Weaver could do nothing but watch, and the game was tied. Cleveland would win by the final of 7-5 in extra innings courtesy of a David Fry two-run walk-off homer.

Yankees fans are feeling the type of pain today that Reds fans know all too well. While Weaver has had a tremendous bounce-back season in the Bronx, relying on him in critical moments isn't necessarily the best strategy.

During his time with the Reds, Weaver made 21 starts and posted a 6.87 ERA while allowing 24 home runs. Weaver was released by the Reds midway through the 2023 season and closed out the season with the Yankees. It'll be interesting to see who Boone turns to in the ninth inning if the Yanks have the lead in Game 4.

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