The Cleveland Guardians host the New York Yankees on Friday at Progressive Field, aiming to even the American League Championship Series after a thrilling 7-5 victory in Game 3. Cleveland’s dramatic comeback, fueled by late-game home runs, has shifted the momentum, putting pressure on the Yankees to bounce back quickly.
Game 4 features two starters making their postseason debuts, with the Yankees turning to Luis Gil and the Guardians relying on Gavin Williams. Both teams will also need creative bullpen management after heavy usage in Thursday’s extra-inning contest.
Guardians Look to Build on Momentum
The Guardians pulled off a stunning win in Game 3, thanks to a pair of clutch home runs. David Fry hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning, sealing the victory after Jhonkensy Noel tied the game with a two-run shot in the ninth. The Guardians showed resilience, overcoming the Yankees’ eighth-inning rally and giving closer Emmanuel Clase a chance to rebound after allowing back-to-back homers from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Cleveland will send right-hander Gavin Williams to the mound. Williams last pitched on September 22, delivering 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished the regular season with a 3-10 record and a 4.86 ERA across 16 starts. Williams faced the Yankees once this season, taking the loss after giving up three runs on four hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings.
The Guardians’ bullpen, taxed by seven relievers in Game 3, will need to step up once again to support Williams in his postseason debut. Cleveland is listed as a slight underdog for Game 4, with a moneyline of +120.
Yankees Rely on Gil to Regain Control
The Yankees will turn to rookie right-hander Luis Gil for his first postseason start. Gil went 15-7 with a 3.50 ERA during the regular season but hasn’t pitched since September 28, when he allowed six runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gil threw a simulated game earlier this week to stay sharp and feels ready for the opportunity.
Gil will need to improve on his past performances against Cleveland, as he holds a 6.14 ERA in two career starts versus the Guardians. His lone 2024 outing against Cleveland saw him struggle with command, allowing three runs and six walks over three innings.
New York’s bullpen will also be a focal point after using six relievers in Game 3. Manager Aaron Boone may need to shuffle the bullpen, with Clayton Beeter or Mark Leiter Jr. possibly replacing Ian Hamilton, who left Game 3 with a calf injury.
The Yankees are slight favorites for Game 4, listed at -145, and will look to regain momentum to move within one win of the World Series.
Prediction: Guardians Keep Rolling to Even Series
Both teams face challenges with rookie starters and bullpen fatigue, making this matchup unpredictable. However, Cleveland’s Game 3 comeback demonstrated their resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. With the home crowd behind them, the Guardians are in a good position to even the series.
We predict Cleveland will edge out a 6-4 win, forcing a decisive Game 5. Bet on Cleveland at +120 and consider the over on the 7.0 total, as both teams are likely to lean heavily on their offenses.
