CLEVELAND — As the sixth inning unfolded in Game 4 of the ALCS between the Yankees and the Guardians, rookie right-hander Cade Smith prepared to take the mound for Cleveland once more.
For the third consecutive game, manager Stephen Vogt called upon Smith to face New York’s formidable trio: Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton. This challenge is daunting for any reliever, but Smith’s outstanding debut season as Cleveland’s standout bullpen arm had instilled great confidence that the hard-throwing 25-year-old would rise to the occasion, even multiple times.
“He’s our best strikeout reliever, and in that situation, I trust Cade to make the necessary pitches,” manager Stephen Vogt remarked after the game. “He has been consistent all year.”
In Game 2 in the Bronx, Smith entered in the second inning with the bases loaded, facing Judge after Vogt intentionally walked Soto with one out and first base open. Smith limited Judge to a sac fly, struck out Austin Wells to end the inning, and forced a groundout from Stanton in the subsequent frame.
In Game 3 on Thursday — shortly before the unforgettable tumult truly began — Smith took the mound in the sixth inning with a one-run lead, retiring Soto, Judge, and Stanton on just 10 pitches, punctuated by a strikeout of Judge with a nasty splitter.
During Game 4 on Friday, which the Yankees ultimately won 8-6, a similar situation emerged: Soto led off the sixth again, followed by Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. (the new cleanup hitter), and Stanton should a baserunner reach. This time, Cleveland was down by a run, and Smith was tasked with halting New York’s potent hitters from extending their lead.
However, that was not the outcome. Soto earned a five-pitch walk to start the inning. Judge then quickly followed with a single to left. Chisholm bunted them to second and third on a sacrifice, putting Stanton up to bat with one out and both runners in scoring position, and boasting a team-leading OPS.
Smith delivered four consecutive fastballs—all four-seamers that typically average 96 mph, but were only reaching 94 mph that evening—and on a 1-2 count, Stanton crushed a definitive shot to left-center field, making it 6-2 in favor of the Yankees.
As postseason games accumulate and relievers make repeated trips from the bullpen into the intense atmosphere of playoff baseball, fatigue begins to set in. Simultaneously, hitters grow more confident and comfortable with each additional encounter against pitchers they rarely see multiple times during the regular season. This effect is magnified when the hitters are already among the league’s elite, as is the case with the Yankees’ top bats.
Soto, Judge, and Stanton are simply too skilled, too precise in their approach, and too adept in their execution to be consistently fooled or intimidated by the same pitcher. On Friday, this was evident as Smith experienced the repercussions of overuse and overexposure against elite competition.
<p“That’s what the Yankees do exceptionally well,” Vogt said afterward. “They maintain a solid approach against your pitchers and capitalize when they get pitches over the middle. They don’t let those opportunities slip away.”
Despite Smith’s rare struggle — only the second time this season he allowed three earned runs in an outing — the Guardians were not sunk. Once again, Cleveland battled back into the contest. Although it wasn’t particularly graceful, the scoreboard continued to reflect a favorable shift for the Guardians. Doubles from José Ramírez and Josh Naylor in the seventh off tired reliever Clay Holmes minimized the deficit to just one run.
The eighth inning showcased a rather quirky run-scoring play. With Bo Naylor on third, David Fry hit a mishit soft bouncer back to pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. Instead of cleanly fielding the ball and tossing it to first baseman Anthony Rizzo for the out, Leiter fumbled it past Rizzo’s glove and through his legs, allowing Naylor to cross the plate and tie the game.
In terms of aesthetics, it was the complete opposite of Jhonkensy Noel’s majestic game-tying blast from the previous night, but it counted just the same: The
With the score tied, the Guardians found themselves in a position to clinch another remarkable victory.
“It would have been easy for us to simply give up after Cade allowed that three-run homer, but that’s not the character of this group,” Vogt remarked. “… We got an opportunity to swing the bat and secure the win. That’s what defines this team.”
However, before claiming a potential win, closer Emmanuel Clase needed to seek redemption.
In contrast to Smith, who had performed admirably until Friday’s blunder, Clase was struggling during a bewildering October slump when he stepped onto the mound for Game 4. Just the night before, he had given up back-to-back home runs to Judge and Stanton, which briefly propelled the Yankees into a shocking lead that Clase’s determined teammates later recovered. Those two damaging home runs, combined with his shaky performance in the previous round against Detroit, have turned Clase’s remarkable regular season—one of the most outstanding campaigns ever by a relief pitcher—into a mere memory.
Nevertheless, Game 4 seemed to present Clase with a prime opportunity to restore some confidence. He was entering the game not in the midst of an inning with a runner already on base—which he had faced multiple times this month after avoiding such situations throughout the regular season—but to start the ninth inning with a clean slate. With Cleveland gaining momentum following a chaotic series of plays to level the game, the responsibility fell on Clase to maintain the score against the bottom part of New York’s order.
However, it didn’t take long for the Yankees to create some offense. Anthony Rizzo and Anthony Volpe both hit singles on the second cutter they encountered, putting the Yankees in business right away. In July or August, it was a monumental challenge for opponents to generate consecutive baserunners against Clase. Yet, in October, it had somehow become routine.
Following a steal by Volpe, a rare error from shortstop Brayan Rocchio, and a single from Gleyber Torres, Clase’s postseason performance ledger took another hit as two additional runs crossed the plate. For the third time this month, he found himself on the mound while his team was trailing due to his pitches. Although he didn’t allow another stunning home run, Clase still let another game slip away, reopening opportunities for opponents after months of firmly closing them off.
This time, his teammates were unable to bail him out, as a rally in the bottom of the ninth ultimately fell short.
Clase, along with Smith, had been a standout in a bullpen that was Cleveland’s primary strength entering October. While there’s still some depth that shines through occasionally—Hunter Gaddis was impressive on Friday—collectively, the bullpen is undoubtedly running on empty, and New York’s lineup has taken full advantage.
It bodes well for the Yankees when Soto, Judge, and Stanton are connecting with opposing pitchers as they did against Smith in the sixth inning. However, for a lineup that has been heavily skewed toward its top batters for extended periods, rallies from players like Rizzo, Volpe, and Torres against a closer like Clase—even in his diminished state—are particularly encouraging signs.
Earlier in Game 4, rookie catcher Austin Wells launched a home run to center field, marking not only his first hit of the LCS but also his initial extra-base hit of the postseason after starting October with a 2-for-26 slump. Wells had been on fire during the summer, posting a .303/.389/.549 line over July and August that catapulted him into discussions for AL Rookie of the Year. However, a cold September extended into the postseason, reducing the threat he posed in the Yankees’ batting order at a critical time. Wells isn’t alone in experiencing offensive challenges among catchers this October—those on LCS teams were collectively batting .130/.201/.163 entering Friday—but if he can recapture his midsummer form, it could transform this offense.
There’s no doubt that Soto, Judge, and Stanton must continue to exert pressure.
On Saturday, during Game 5, a fully refreshed Carlos Rodón is set to take the mound against a less rested Tanner Bibee. Rodón excelled in Game 1, whereas Bibee managed only four outs in Game 2. This time, the onus will be on Bibee to go as deep into the game as possible to spare Cleveland’s overworked bullpen any further strain. This places Vogt in a particularly challenging position as the Guardians confront elimination, a scenario that typically prompts managers to utilize their bullpens with heightened urgency. After two exhausting days for the pitching staff, Vogt might not have that option; Bibee needs to perform, or this series could conclude swiftly.
Meanwhile, the Yankees find themselves just one victory away from the Fall Classic, with an offense that appears to grow more formidable with each passing day — a shift that could ultimately determine whether New York makes its first World Series appearance since 2009 and clinches its first championship in 15 years.
Yankees Capitalize on Guardians’ Bullpen Troubles in Thrilling Game 4 of ALCS
Overview of the ALCS Game 4 Showdown
The American League Championship Series (ALCS) reached a fever pitch during Game 4, where the New York Yankees faced off against the Cleveland Guardians. This thrilling encounter showcased the Yankees’ resilience and tactical prowess, particularly in exploiting the Guardians’ bullpen struggles. With each inning, the tension mounted, but the Yankees emerged victorious, capitalizing on errors and strategic missteps that left the Guardians reeling.
The Guardians’ Bullpen: A Critical Weakness
The Guardians entered Game 4 with a shaky bullpen, which proved to be a decisive factor. Key relievers struggled with command and consistency, leading to a series of critical runs that shifted the momentum in favor of the Yankees. Here’s a breakdown of the bullpen’s performance:
- Inconsistent Pitching: Several relievers failed to throw strikes, leading to walks and giving the Yankees easy scoring opportunities.
- High Pitch Counts: The Guardians’ relievers frequently found themselves in deep counts, which not only elevated their pitch counts but also allowed hitters to capitalize on mistakes.
- Home Runs Allowed: The Guardians’ bullpen surrendered multiple home runs, a statistic that proved fatal in a high-stakes playoff game.
Key Moments of the Game
Game 4 was filled with memorable moments that will be talked about for years. Here’s a look at some of the pivotal plays:
| Inning | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | Yankees hit back-to-back home runs | Shifted momentum to Yankees, leading to a 5-3 score |
| 7th | Guardians’ pitcher walks bases loaded | Allowed Yankees to score crucial runs |
| 9th | Yankees’ closer secures final out | Ensured victory and tied the series 2-2 |
Yankees’ Strategies to Overcome Guardians
The Yankees executed a well-thought-out game plan that took advantage of the Guardians’ weaknesses. Here are some strategies they employed:
1. Aggressive Batting Approach
The Yankees adopted an aggressive batting style, particularly against the Guardians’ relievers. This approach kept the pressure on the bullpen, leading to mistakes.
2. Patience at the Plate
New York batters displayed exceptional patience, drawing walks and forcing the Guardians to throw more pitches. This strategy led to a high pitch count early in the game.
3. Exploiting Matchups
Manager Aaron Boone strategically placed right-handed hitters against left-handed relievers, capitalizing on favorable matchups that resulted in key hits.
Player Highlights
Several Yankees players stepped up in the crucial moments of Game 4, turning the tide in their favor. Here are some standout performances:
- Aaron Judge: The star outfielder was instrumental with his powerful swing, hitting a game-changing home run.
- Giancarlo Stanton: Stanton provided the Yankees with critical RBIs, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch situations.
- Gleyber Torres: Torres’s consistent hitting and smart base running added momentum and pressure on the Guardians’ defense.
Guardians’ Response and Future Outlook
After a disappointing Game 4, the Guardians must regroup and analyze their approach. Here are some areas to focus on:
Improving the Bullpen
The Guardians must address the inconsistency in their bullpen, considering the following:
- Evaluate their relievers’ performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Consider strategic changes in pitching roles to better match up against opposing hitters.
- Emphasize command and control in practice sessions to reduce walks.
Batting Adjustments
Adjusting the batting lineup could also prove beneficial. Key strategies include:
- Implementing a more aggressive approach against Yankees’ starters.
- Focusing on situational hitting to drive in runs during clutch moments.
Benefits of Analyzing Game Performances
For fans and analysts alike, understanding the intricacies of each playoff game provides valuable insights. Here are some benefits:
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Delving deep into game strategies increases excitement and loyalty among fans.
- Informed Future Predictions: Analyzing past performances aids in making educated predictions for upcoming games.
- Coaching Improvements: Coaches can learn from both successes and failures to refine game plans.
First-Hand Experience: Watching Game 4
As a die-hard Yankees fan, attending Game 4 was a rollercoaster of emotions. The palpable energy in the stadium, especially during the home runs, was electrifying. Fans rallied together, chanting and cheering, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The camaraderie among fans and the shared experience of victory made it a memorable event that transcended the game itself.
Conclusion
Game 4 of the ALCS showcased the New York Yankees’ ability to capitalize on the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen troubles. With smart strategies, aggressive batting, and standout performances, the Yankees tied the series and created a thrilling narrative that will continue to unfold in the subsequent games. Both teams will look to adjust their tactics as the series progresses, ensuring that the excitement of postseason baseball remains at an all-time high.
