The Cleveland Guardians are down 0-2 in their American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.
The series has moved to Cleveland for three straight games from Thursday to Saturday: if there is a moment in which the Guardians’ best players and attributes should show up, it’s this one, right now.
A loss on Thursday would leave them on the brink of elimination, but a win can get them into the series again with multiple games to play.
Many analysts and specialists are predicting the Yankees as winners at this point, but one of them is willing to bet against the world.
“IT WAS ALWAYS GUARDS IN SEVEN #ForTheLand. “With how resilient this team has been, they relish the opportunity to be the underdog,” Guardians analyst Jensen Lewis posted on X.
IT WAS ALWAYS GUARDS IN SEVEN 🔥 #ForTheLand
"With how resilient this team has been, they relish the opportunity to be the underdog."
–@JLEWFifty pic.twitter.com/2igPPZeCtF
— BIGPLAY Cleveland Show (@BIGPLAYCLEshow) October 17, 2024
“I do feel like it goes the distance. (Guardians) will be overlooked in the series a lot. Let’s hope this is another magical run just as it was in 2016,” Lewis stated.
Yes, teams that start with consecutive losses in the ALCS often wind up losing.
However, there have been some notable exceptions in history and the Guardians hope they are one of them.
They need to start by executing their game plan, avoiding walks and defensive miscues, and handing over the game to their bullpen with a lead.
It sure seems simple, but it’s far from it.
It’s not impossible, though: the Guards were one of MLB’s best teams at home.
They will be playing in front of their fans, hoping to get some energy from them.
It can all start with one win.
NEXT: Stats Illustrate 2 Problematic Situations For The Guardians Offense
