The Cleveland Guardians are in must-win mode as they return to Progressive Field tonight for Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox.
First pitch is set for 5 p.m. Monday after a rare off day this early in a series. The White Sox took Game 1 by a 3-0 score Saturday, powered by Munetaka Murakami's two-run homer and five Chicago pitchers combining on a three-hitter that kept Cleveland's bats silent.
Gavin Williams gets the start for the Guardians as they try to even the series before it shifts. Cleveland's offense managed almost nothing in the opener, and the club will need its bats to wake up against a Chicago pitching plan built on mixing looks and keeping hitters uncomfortable.
Beacon Journal writers see a tight one: Ryan Lewis predicts a 4-2 Guardians win, while Nate Ulrich has Cleveland taking it 3-2. Both point to resilience as the club's calling card — first under Terry Francona, now under Stephen Vogt.
A loss tonight would leave the Guardians one defeat from elimination. A win evens the best-of-five and keeps the home crowd dreaming of a deeper October run.
— NewsForce Staff
