Rays Face Must-Win ALCS Game 4 Against Guardians Tonight

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Rays Face Pivotal Game 4 as Guardians Look to Take Control

There has not been much movement in the market, while Nick Martinez has enjoyed plenty of success against the Guardians. Cleveland plans to rely on its bullpen and play the matchups while holding a 2-1 series lead.

This is a crucial game for Tampa Bay. A Guardians victory would give Cleveland a 3-1 lead and make it the heavy favorite to win the series. However, the Rays will not have to face Messi, Gavin Williams or Foster Griffin, which makes this a game Tampa Bay should win.

The margins have been thin throughout the series, with every game likely to be decided by one run. Neither side offers attractive odds at plus 1.5 runs, but this could be an opportunity for the Rays’ offense to break through.

Tampa Bay posted a .678 OPS against left-handed pitching and a .751 OPS against right-handers this season. The matchup favors the Rays against right-handed pitching, but their key hitters still have to produce. Junior Cabanero will need to contribute if Tampa Bay is going to win the American League Championship Series and advance to the World Series.

José Ramírez, meanwhile, has made a major impact for Cleveland. He is hitting, stealing bases and looking like himself again.

The pressure is firmly on Tampa Bay. This is the favorable matchup, with Cleveland using an opener and planning a bullpen game. If the Rays lose and fall behind 3-1, the Guardians would need only one more victory in either Saint Pete or Cleveland to close out the series.

Weather could also shape the game. Wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour at Progressive could knock down fly balls and reduce the impact of home runs. That would place a greater emphasis on ground balls, putting the ball in play and manufacturing runs, areas in which both teams have performed well.

Playing from ahead will be important for Tampa Bay, although an early lead did not hold in the previous game. Both teams have quality closers, but Cleveland’s bullpen usage is becoming a concern after going all hands on deck to complete a 3-2 comeback against the White Sox.

Cleveland appears to have little choice but to open with Sean Armstrong. If the series reaches Game 7 in Saint Petersburg, the Guardians likely would not use the same approach again.

Cantillo is the key for Cleveland. If he can shut down the Rays, the Guardians should be in position to win. If he cannot, Tampa Bay will have its opportunity to level the series.