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When the Cleveland Guardians arrived in Chicago for a team workout ahead of Game 3, the White Sox held a commanding 2-0 lead in the ALDS. The stadium's PA system played a series of slow, melancholic tunes, many with themes of reaching the end of the road or the conclusion of a story. It was a clear jab from the White Sox, who seemed to be hinting that the Guardians' season was nearing its end.
That attempt at gamesmanship, a bit of taunting between division rivals, suggested Cleveland's demise was imminent. However, the Guardians had other plans.
Instead of folding, Cleveland's offense exploded in Games 3 and 4, securing both victories in Chicago to tie the series at 2-2. The team's bats woke up in a big way, scoring at least nine runs in back-to-back playoff games for the first time since Games 3 and 4 of the 1997 World Series. Now, a winner-take-all Game 5 is set for Saturday night, Oct. 10, at Progressive Field, with first pitch at 8 p.m.
Facing the White Sox's chaotic pitching strategy, which relied on a variety of looks, the Guardians had struggled in the first two games. But as the series progressed, they adapted. In Games 3 and 4, they hammered pitches all over Rate Field, even getting to Grant Taylor, who had appeared nearly unhittable earlier.
"I think for me it's more of a mindset shift that our guys have," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "Obviously, both teams are familiar. There's no secrets. There's no surprises. Every hitter has seen every bullpen guy multiple times throughout the course of the year and in this series."
Catcher Patrick Bailey, who hit a crucial home run in Game 4, noted the improvement: "We're doing a better job of saving our game plans, not chasing as much and getting our A swings off. I feel like we've been impacting the baseball a lot better the last two games. Obviously, the more you see a certain guy, kind of not necessarily more comfortable, but you get to see shapes more and more – definitely helps."
Key Analysis
The White Sox's strategy of throwing numerous different looks at Cleveland's lineup worked wonders in Games 1 and 2. However, maintaining that level of effectiveness becomes challenging as hitters get multiple looks at the same pitchers. The Guardians took advantage, turning the tide in Games 3 and 4. Their ability to adjust and capitalize on familiar pitching could be the key factor in Game 5.
Before Game 3, Vogt laughed off the White Sox's sad-song playlist. Two days later, he and the Guardians had the last laugh, boarding the team plane back to Cleveland with the series tied 2-2.
Originally reported by yahoo.