Carlos Rodon was unflappable as the Yankees' crowd favorite

Carlos Rodon looked like a $162 million workhorse in his second playoff start for the Yankees.

After being knocked down and suffering the loss in the Yankees' only playoff loss to date, Rodon bounced back on Monday to pitch a six-inning gem in a 5-2 win over the Guardians in Game 1 of the ALCS.

“Game 1 just sets the tone,” Rodon said of being named the starter ahead of teammate Clarke Schmidt.

According to MLB statistician Sarah Langs, Rodon produced 25 swings and misses – the most by a Yankees pitcher in a postseason game since pitch tracking began in 2008.

The veteran left-hander, who previously made two postseason appearances with the White Sox, scattered three hits over six innings.

He threw nine strikeouts and no walks, threw 63 of 93 pitches for strikes and went 4-1.

It was no surprise that Rodon opened with three error-free innings.

He did that in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Royals before running into trouble and failing to survive the fourth inning.

So it was significant when Rodon had his second of three consecutive 1-2-3 innings against the key players in the fourth inning.

Jose Ramirez centered before Lane Thomas and Josh Naylor struck with a swing.

It brought most of the 47,264 fans at Yankee Stadium to their feet.

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Of course, Yankees fans and Rodon don't always get along well.

As Rodon battled the royals, anonymous social media users sent his wife messages mocking published details of the couple's private life, which she shared online and called “disgusting.” She urged others not to “threaten people’s families.”

Rodon's streak of 11 consecutive batters retired ended when Brayan Rocchio hit a home run leading off the sixth.

But the No. 9 batsman's 378-foot rocket barely disrupted Rodon's rhythm as he retreated to the top third of the lineup.

As his final act, Rodon won a nine-pitch battle against perennial American League MVP candidate Ramirez and ended Game 6 with a line drive.

“Jose Ramirez is one of the better players in our game,” Rodon said. “So this switch-hitter will be a key part of their lineup.”

If Rodon plays like a solid No. 2 and pairs with top prospect Gerrit Cole, the Yankees' chances of winning the World Series improve.

Rodon, who went 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 32 regular-season starts, is under contract through 2028 after taking over the award in 2023.

First things first: Cole will start Game 2 against the Guardians after shutting out the Royals in Game 4.