Guardians Seek to Extend Series Lead in Game 4
The Cleveland Guardians hold a 2-1 advantage over the Tampa Bay Rays heading into Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, according to reports from the Mankato Free Press. The teams are scheduled to play on Friday at 8 p.m. EDT.
Cleveland enters the matchup with a 41-40 home record and a collective pitching earned run average of 3.77, which ranks eighth in Major League Baseball. Tampa Bay has posted a 43-38 road record during the regular season.
The Rays finished the regular season with a 98-64 record, securing first place in the AL East. The Guardians concluded their regular-season play with an 85-77 record and first place in the AL Central.
Probable Pitchers and Betting Lines
Tampa Bay’s probable pitcher for Game 4 is Nick Martinez, who holds a 0-0 record. The starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians has not been determined, with reports listing the position as to be determined.
Betting markets have listed the Rays at -113 and the Guardians at -108. The over/under for the game is set at 6 1/2 runs.
Recent Performance and Player Statistics
This matchup marks the 10th meeting between the two teams during the regular season, with Tampa Bay leading the season series 6-3.
In their last 10 games, the Guardians went 6-4 with a .249 batting average and a 2.86 ERA, outscoring opponents by 16 runs. The Rays also went 6-4 in their last 10 games, recording a .229 batting average and a 3.00 ERA while outscoring opponents by nine runs.
For Cleveland, Jose Ramirez has recorded 27 doubles and 12 home runs this season. Patrick Bailey is hitting 10 for 30 with four home runs over his past 10 games.
Tampa Bay’s top performer Yandy Diaz has accumulated 26 doubles, a triple, 22 home runs, 85 RBIs, and a .293 batting average. Jonny Deluca is 11 for 36 with a double and two home runs over his past 10 games.
Injury Reports and Roster Status
The Guardians are managing injuries to Colin Holderman, who is on the 15-Day IL with a wrist issue, and Rhys Hoskins, who is on the 10-Day IL with a back injury.
Tampa Bay faces a more extensive list of absences. Gavin Lux is on the 60-Day IL with a shoulder injury, while Shane McClanahan is on the 15-Day IL with a forearm issue. The Rays also have Jon Heasley (elbow), Edwin Uceta (shoulder), Jacob Melton (hamstring), and Ryan Pepiot (hip) all placed on the 60-Day IL.
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.