Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase gave up back-to-back homers in Game 3 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees to blow a 2-run lead, and he rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way after the game when he ducked the media and then posted an Instagram reel showing off his individual accolades encouraging fans that everything will be okay.
He then followed up that performance by giving up another two runs in Game 4 on Friday night to lose the game and put his team in a 3-1 hole in the series, and he took a much different approach with the media following the loss.
Clase spoke with reporters after Game 4 and said his issues have been a combination of the Yankees hitting good pitches and him missing his spots, but overall, he appeared to have a positive demeanor, according to play-by-play announcer Brendan Gulick.
Emmanuel Clase just spoke postgame. Said his issues have been a combination of Yankees hitting good pitches and him missing a few spots.
Overall, seems to have a reasonably positive demeanor, considering how tough the last 2 nights have been.#Postseason | #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/J2PvkQJ3Qd
— Brendan Gulick (@brendangulick22) October 19, 2024
Clase gave up just five runs in the regular season and has now surrendered eight in the postseason, including five in the last two days.
Game 4 was particularly deflating after the team was able to rally from four runs down and tie the game, but the bullpen in general could be overworked after having to pitch at least four innings in each of the team’s nine playoff games so far.
With the team down 3-1, there is no time for sulking and this team needs Clase to rebound quickly in case it finds itself in another save situation in Game 5 on Saturday.
It’s tough to see Clase like this, but his manager and his team still believes in him.
NEXT: Steven Kwan Has A New Franchise Postseason Record
