CLEVELAND — James Karinchak drummed on his chest, danced off the mound and nearly barreled over catcher Mike Zunino.
Even in April, beating the Yankees warrants a big celebration.
"Those are the moments you live for," Karinchak said.
Shane Bieber shook off a rough first inning to pitch seven, Josh Naylor gave Cleveland the lead with a tiebreaking sacrifice fly and Karinchak worked out of a harrowing jam as the Guardians won 3-2 on Monday night in a rematch of last year's AL Division Series.
Bieber (1-0) looked to be in trouble after giving up two runs and three hits to New York's first four batters.