The Cleveland Guardians rode a four-run third inning to victory over the Chicago White Sox in Game 3, staving off elimination in the American League Division Series. Now Cleveland faces a must-win Game 4 on Thursday, with a chance to force a decisive Game 5 back in Cleveland. Chicago leads the series 2-1 and can advance to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Championship Series by finishing the job in front of its home crowd.
The Guardians' path runs through a strong start from Parker Messick. He was just OK in Game 1, lasting only 4⅓ innings against the White Sox, and Cleveland will likely need more from him after using seven pitchers in Game 3, including closer Cade Smith for two innings. Veteran slugger Jose Ramirez also needs another standout game; he was fantastic in Wednesday's win, and he and Messick can force a Game 5 on their own.
Analysts note that Cleveland is in a position that is good, though not comfortable, one loss away from elimination. The Guardians are unlikely to repeat Game 3's formula of 19 pitcher strikeouts and 10 batter walks, but a milder version of that approach should still work. The White Sox have been resilient this season, so Cleveland will want to strike early and keep the momentum going.
If the Guardians can jump on Chicago early, their hitters can stay patient and their pitchers can attack a potentially anxious White Sox lineup, much as they did Wednesday. Game 4 starts at 8 p.m. ET in Chicago, with starting pitchers Messick and Hagen Smith.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing