CLEVELAND — Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams did not get off to an ideal start against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night at Progressive Field .
In Williams' first outing since Sept. 22, he surrendered a two-run home run to center field by Juan Soto . The Yankees seized a 2-0 lead on Williams' sixth pitch of Game 4 .
The home run traveled 414 feet and had an exit velocity of 113.3 mph. It came off a 98.4 mph four-seam fastball.
On the first pitch of the game, Gleyber Torres hit a single to right field off Williams. Then Soto blasted the two-run home run while facing a 3-1 count.
Later in the first inning, the Guardians trimmed their deficit to 2-1 with Steven Kwan walking, advancing to third base on a Kyle Manzardo double and scoring on a Jose Ramirez sacrifice fly.
More on ALCS Game 4: Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Yankees score and highlights
This is Williams' first career playoff appearance.
Williams battled right elbow issues and went 3-10 in 16 starts during the 2024 regular season. He posted a 4.86 ERA, allowing 41 earned runs, 72 hits and 32 walks and striking out 79 in 76 innings.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Watch: Juan Soto homer gives Yankees early lead in ALCS Game 4
