The Cleveland Guardians are showing signs of life after going down 2-0 to start the ALDS against the Chicago White Sox. This team has battled back and won the last two games on the road to tie up the series for a crucial Game 5.
The Guardians will now head back to Cleveland, where they will play one game to decide who goes on to play the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS.
Recently, outfielder Chase DeLauter was asked about his mindset going into this win-or-go-home contest on Saturday.
“We’ve known what’s at stake the last two days. I think we’re coming in, and just playing free. Whether we go down early or go up early, I don’t think it changes the mindset until the last out is made in the 9th. I don’t think we’re changing a whole lot. We’re coming in fired up. We’re coming in and treating the days the same as we’ve been all year. Obviously, we’re in a win-or-go-home situation, but I think the more we freak out and change, the more it gets bigger on us. [Game 5] is gonna be special. I think we’re the only people playing baseball right now until next week, so I expect the fans to come out rocking,” DeLauter said.
"I expect the fans to come out rockin'."@CleGuardians rookie Chase DeLauter joins #MLBTonight as Cleveland heads home for a winner-take-all ALDS Game 5! đź‘€ https://t.co/M0F5xy6Sz2 pic.twitter.com/wObpemXorK
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 9, 2026
The Guardians have made a statement in the last two games by scoring nine runs in both Game 3 and Game 4. This offense has come alive after scoring only three runs over the first two games of the series. Although the job isn’t done yet, there is one more important game still left in the series.
DeLauter has done a nice job at the plate over the last two games to help his team get these victories. The rookie outfielder is 2-for-8 with two RBI and two walks during the last two games in Chicago. He also collected two hits during the Game 3 loss. The Guardians will now be counting on him to make some noise during Saturday’s contest.
According to DeLauter, it sounds like the Guardians aren’t trying to put too much pressure on themselves heading into Game 5. This team is young, and a good chunk of these players are getting their first taste of the postseason in 2026. For some of these players, it’s the first time they’ve played in a situation like this in their big league career.
The good news for the Guardians is that they’ll be back with their home fans. The home fans in Cleveland should give this team a boost on Saturday night. The Guardians should be fine as long as they continue to play as they have in the last two games.
It sounds like the team is trying to keep it loose and not put too much pressure on themselves ahead of this elimination contest.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Sums Up The Guardians In Four Words
