As the Yankees prepare to kick off Game 1 of the ALCS against the Guardians on October 14, fans hope for a repeat of their winning postseason magic from past encounters—minus the paranormal activity, of course.

With a strong postseason record against the Guardians, having bested them in their last three playoff meetings, the Yankees are looking to extend their winning streak and start the ALCS off on the right foot. With Carlos Rodón on the mound, the Bombers aim to harness their past glory and avoid any otherworldly interruptions—because let's face it, the last thing we need is a ghost stealing third base.

The stakes are high as the Yankees advanced to the ALCS with a convincing Game 4 victory over the Royals in the ALDS. This win not only propelled them forward in the postseason but also rekindled memories of their previous encounters with the Guardians—an opponent they seem to have mastered like a well-timed pitch cue.

Conversely, the Guardians had to scrape their way past the Detroit Tigers in a full five-game series during the ALDS. One might say it was a rollercoaster—if rollercoasters were slow, painfully stretched out experiences that involved more nail-biting than actual thrill. But hey, they got through it, which says something about their perseverance or about how much caffeine they consumed during the process.

As the teams prepare to clash, the pedigree of the Yankees against the Guardians looms large. Their successful postseason history includes notable wins in the 2017 AL Division Series, the 2020 Wild Card Series, and the 2022 ALDS. It's almost as if someone labeled the Guardians 'Yankees’ Practice Dummies' with a friendly reminder to show up for the exercises.

The opening pitch for Game 1 is set for a crisp 7:38 p.m. ET, and fans tuning in can catch every moment of the action on TBS and truTV. There's something exciting about the atmosphere of playoff baseball that even a television announcer could bring to life, though we all know it’s the food, beer, and a slew of increasingly desperate text messages that will truly elevate the experience at home.

Tossing the ball for the Yankees is Carlos Rodón, who, if statistics have any say, has the potential to paint the corners like an artist who spent too much time on YouTube tutorial videos. Meanwhile, Alex Cobb takes the mound for the Guardians, bringing with him the hopes of a city that has been training its sports teams in the quiet art of heartbreak relay for decades.

Fans will have a chance to catch the action first at Yankee Stadium in Games 1 and 2. The series will then shift to Progressive Field in Cleveland for Games 3 and 4, possibly shifting the mood from a New York-style pizza party to a deep-dish scenario faster than you can say 'sudden death.'

One major storyline has been Anthony Rizzo's return to the lineup after being activated from the injured list just in time for Game 1. Rizzo's contribution could be pivotal, and you can bet he’ll be greeted with applause loud enough to shatter glass, although most observers hope that the sound of shattering glass does not lead to a post-game cleanup.

Among players to watch closely are Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for the Yankees, who are looking to showcase their offensive prowess, whereas for the Guardians, All-Stars José Ramirez and Steven Kwan will be keeping the Yankees pitchers on their toes—because nothing says pressure like a base hit with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

In a surprise twist right out of the first pitch, the Yankees lead the series 1-0, having won Game 1 with a score of 5-2. It's a starting position both teams are keenly aware of, with the Yankees potentially riding high on the momentum while the Guardians plot their next move with the strategic intensity of a chess match filtered through caffeine addiction.

So, gear up for an intense Game 1 and beyond, mobilizing snacks, beverages, and a few well-placed curses against technology, as this postseason continues to unfold—one pitch, one game, and one chiseled player’s glower at a time.