Four Keys to Game Four for the Guardians

Now or never time,fellas

The Guardians face steep odds to make the American League Championship series down two games to one to the Tigers, but hope is still alive for at least one more day.

Here’s what I’ve got for keys to game four:

1. Build on an Improved Approach at the Plate in Game Three

Cleveland saw 14 more pitches in game four than they did in game three. Rocchio took a walk (they should have been two non-intentional walks if the umpires didn’t hate Jhonkensy Noel) and the team had a .254 expected batting average. It’s time to build on the positives of this game. Let’s see if we can get to THREE walks in this game and keep hitting the ball as hard as possible.

2. Ignore Detroit’s Early Bullpen Machinations

I think Vogt’s pinch-hitting decisions were mostly justifiable yesterday, but the goal should be to get your best hitters the most possible at-bats today, saving your best pinch-hitters for your absolute best run-scoring opportunities. Hinch is trying to get Vogt to empty his bench again, early. Going for the jugular didn’t work in game three with Vogt pinch-hitting early. It’s time to make a small adjustment and hold off on releasing the Fry/Manzardo/Brennan/Noel krakens until the time is JUST right.

3. Give Tim Herrin a Break

The plan today should be 4-5 innings from Tanner Bibee, 1-2 innings from Cade Smith, 1 inning from Andrew Walters, Joey Cantillo or Gavin Williams (if needed), 1 inning from Hunter Gaddis, and 1 inning from Emmanuel Clase. Tim Herrin’s sinker velocity was down 1.3 mph from his season average on Monday, and it was down 2.7 mph yesterday. He needs a rest. Erik Sabrowski threw 28 pitches so I don’t think he’ll be available except in the case of an emergency.

4. Forget Yesterday, Forget Tomorrow - Focus on the Next Pitch

All year, we have heard how much these guys love each other love playing together. Instead of feeling the pressure of “win or go home,” I hope they are focused on how much the love playing the game of baseball and how to use every at-bat to set up for the next guy’s success. Bibee and the bullpen don’t have to focus on how to be perfect - they just need to get Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter (and sudden playoff giant Jake Freaking Rogers!) out. Jose and Josh don’t have to hit five-run homers every pitch, they just need to force pitchers to throw them the pitch they want and do damage accordingly. Everyone needs to just take it one pitch at a time, win each pitch’s battle, and go from there.

I love the Cleveland Guardians, I’ve loved this season, now let’s keep it going, boys!