Cleveland Guardians Fight To Force Game 5 Against Chicago White Sox

Guardians look to keep season alive

The Cleveland Guardians managed to stay alive in the American League Division Series after a big win in Game 3. They used a four-run third inning to secure the victory and stop the Chicago White Sox from completing a series sweep. Now, the White Sox lead the series 2-1, and Cleveland must win again on Thursday to force a deciding Game 5.

If Cleveland wins, the series will go back to their home field. If Chicago wins, they will advance to the American League Championship Series to face the Tampa Bay Rays. This makes Game 4 a massive moment for both teams.

Pitching and patience are key

Cleveland will start pitcher Parker Messick for Game 4. He was just okay in Game 1, lasting only four and a third innings. The Guardians need a much stronger performance from him this time because they used seven pitchers in Game 3. That group included their closer, Cade Smith, who had to throw for two full innings.

In Game 3, Cleveland's pitchers recorded 19 strikeouts, while their hitters drew 10 walks. Repeating that exact performance is unlikely, but staying patient at the plate will help them. Veteran slugger Jose Ramirez was fantastic in the last game, and another big performance from him could help force a Game 5.

The White Sox have been resilient all year, so Cleveland needs to score early to keep their momentum. If they can strike early, their pitchers can attack an anxious White Sox lineup.