It is win-or-go-home time in Cleveland as the Guardians host the White Sox for ALDS Game 5. With Cleveland trailing the series 2-0, the Guardians forced a decisive Game 5 with road wins in Chicago. The winner advances to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Championship Series.
Sean Burke will start for Cleveland after his strong Game 2 performance, while Gavin Williams takes the mound for the Guardians. Cleveland must contain the White Sox's power hitting, as Chicago ranked third in the AL with 211 homers this season. The White Sox will rely on Burke to provide length, hoping to avoid overtaxing their bullpen.
Williams, who struck out 11 in Game 2, looks to be efficient early to spare the bullpen. A key storyline involves the Guardians' bullpen usage, specifically Cade Smith, who threw 50 pitches over Games 3 and 4. Cleveland will look to Venable's pitching staff to keep the White Sox off the bases early.
The Guardians become just the sixth team in playoff history to force a Game 5 after losing the first two games at home. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing