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Keys for ALDS Game Four for the Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians secured a hard-fought 9-3 victory in Game 3 of the ALDS, avoiding a sweep and forcing a decisive Game 4 against the Chicago White Sox. With their most reliable starter, Parker Messick, slated to pitch on regular rest, the Guardians now face a critical opportunity to extend the series.

Messick, who dominated with his fastball in 2026 and led the team in fWAR, threw just one poor pitch in his 4.2-inning outing in Game 1—though it was enough to allow a 440-foot homer. If he replicates that level of control and durability, the Guardians’ bullpen, featuring Cade Smith, Erik Sabrowski, and Daniel Espino, will need to step up for the final outs.

Smith, in particular, has shown reliability, recording six outs in just 19 pitches in Game 3, while Sabrowski and Espino remain well-rested after skipping Game 3. Tanner Bibee and Tim Herrin could also provide key relief against the White Sox’s lower-order lineup.

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