The postseason was made for players like Giancarlo Stanton. He is one of those special players who steps up and rises to the occasion when the lights are brightest. The New York Yankees’ slug-heavy designed hitter has been criticized at various points for his high strikeout rate (which was nearly a career-high in 2024), but you have to appreciate his ability to turn it on when it matters most, appreciate.

Stanton has homered 15 times in 35 playoff games. His 10.4% home run percentage in the postseason dwarfs his regular season percentage of 6.2%.

After another three-run explosion on Friday night to extend the Yankees’ lead over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 4 of the ALCS, his teammate, Juan Soto, who was driven in from third base, had to stop and savor it for a moment before he started. his trot.

It was Stanton’s fourth home run of the 2024 playoffs (eight games). He has struck out just three times and played six straight games without an opposing pitcher striking him out.