Carlos Rodon looked the part of a $162 million workhorse in his second Yankees playoff start. After he got knocked around and took the lo s in the only blemish of the playoffs thus far for the Yankees, Rodon rebounded Monday to spin a six-inning gem in in Game 1 of the ALCS. Game 1 just sets the tone, Rodon said when he was named the starter over teammate Clarke Schmidt. Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon reacts on the mound during the third inning. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST Rodon generated 25 swings and mi ses the most by a Yankees pitcher in a postseason game since pitch tracking began in 2008, according to MLB statistician Sarah Langs. The veteran left-hander, who made two previous postseason appearances with the White Sox, scattered three hits over six innings. Explore More He struck out nine and walked none, throwing 63 of 93 pitches for strikes and exiting with a 4-1 lead. It wasnt a surprise to see Rodon open with three clean innings. He did that in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Royals before he ran into trouble and didnt survive the fourth inning. Josh Hall Jersey Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon throws a pitch during the first inning. JASON SZENES/NEW YORK POST So it was significant when Rodon had his second of three straight 1-2-3 innings in the fourth against the meat of the order. Jose Ramirez lined out to center before Lane Thomas and Josh Naylor struck out swinging. It brought most in the crowd of 47,264 fans at Yankee Stadium to their feet. Follow The Posts coverage of the Yankees in the postseason: Of course, Yankees fans and Rodon arent always on good terms. When Rodon struggled against the Royals, anonymous social media users sent his wife me sages mocking publicized details of the couples personal life that she shared online and called disgusting. She urged others not to threaten peoples families. Rodons string of 11 consecutive batters retired ended when Brayan Rocchio homered leading off the sixth. Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) all smiles after getting out of the sixth inning. Robert Sabo for NY Post But the 378-foot mi sile by the No. 9 hitter did little to disrupt Rodons rhythm as he proceeded to retire the top-third of the lineup. As his final act, Rodon won a nine-pitch battle against the perennial American League MVP candidate Ramirez to end the sixth on a line drive. Jose Ramirez is one of the better players in our game, Rodon said. So that switch-hitter, thats going to be a pivotal part of their lineup. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! If Rodon is going to pitch like a solid No. 2 to pair with ace Gerrit Cole, the Yankees odds of winning the World Series improve. Rodon, who went 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 starts during the regular season, is signed through 2028 after he was their prize acquisition in 2023. First things first, however: Cole will pitch Game 2 against the Guardians after closing out the Royals in Game 4. Andre Roberson Jersey