I think it’s fair we all admit – it’s been a rough postseason so far. Maybe the days off got to them, maybe they just need to make some adjustments. Whatever it is, it can’t come soon enough. However, there’s still plenty to help us look up from where we currently stand (the bottom).
Williams Throws a Gem
Gavin Williams was named the starter for game two, and he did exactly what he needed to do. While he wasn’t able to add a win to his name, he held the White Sox to just two runs. The Guardians had scored twice in the first
inning, so Williams had not given up the lead when he was taken out in the sixth. He ended the regular season with a 3.76 ERA and 248 strikeouts in 184.1 innings. He’s carried that success into the postseason, claiming a 3.60 ERA with 11 strikeouts so far. If he can make it to a second start, it all but guarantees the Guardians a win.
Coming Close to a Win
An 0-2 record in the postseason so far doesn’t look great. That’s not to say the team hasn’t been trying, though. Monday’s game was as close as it could be with the Guards dropping it 4-3 to the Chicago White Sox. They took an early 2-0 in the first inning thanks to a fielding error with the bases loaded. Gavin Williams kept that lead safe until the sixth inning when Miguel Vargas hit a single off of him. Williams was replaced by reliever Erik Sabrowski, and the Guardians’ fate was sealed. Williams was tagged with the inherited run and the White Sox eventually took a 4-2 lead. The Guards clawed their way back in the bottom of the eighth when Chase DeLauter scored on a Jo Adell triple, but they weren’t able to bring the tying run home. While they couldn’t secure the win, their effort was a marked improvement upon Saturday’s shutout.
It’s Not Over ‘Til It’s Over
Some may see 0-2 as a death sentence, but I see it as an opportunity. Their backs are against the wall, and there’s only one option left – win. While it would be a lot more comforting if the team had at least a one game buffer, I know that they work well under pressure. We can only hope that manager Stephen Vogt has given them a stern “dad” talking to and they will apply any lessons learned over the past few days to Wednesday’s game. If they can secure a win in enemy territory, I think that will give them the motivation they need to keep going.
