Juan Soto's home run punctured Cleveland pitching, which then went wild.
Soto put New York ahead in a three-run third inning, Carlos Rodon got his first postseason win and the Yankees beat the Guardians 5-2 on Monday night in an AL 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.
"Getting the start-off win is big," Stanton said. "It's a message in its own."
Cleveland became the second team to throw a pair of run-scoring wild pitches in a postseason inning and tied a postseason record with five overall. Guardians pitchers walked six in a nine-batter span and nine overall.
