The Chicago White Sox started the American League Division Series strong. They quickly captured momentum on the road with back-to-back wins in Cleveland. Chicago was in a tremendous position to win the best-of-five series at home, but the Cleveland Guardians bounced back with two road wins of their own. The series is suddenly tied 2-2, and Cleveland has momentum at the moment. With the White Sox now in a slump, former MLB All-Star and World Series champion Anthony Rizzo revealed what he believes has led to Chicago's recent struggles, via Ross and Rizzo Unfiltered.
“For me, the last two games at home for the White Sox, they just haven't got that big hit,” Rizzo said. “You know, they've grinded out runs, but they didn't get the big dagger hit. It's like that one hit changes the entire… Wins the series for the White Sox.”
Failing to get the “big hit” has been a problem. The other concern is Chicago's pitching. Cleveland scored three total runs in Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS. In Games 3 and 4, the Guardians combined for 18 total runs.
Article Continues BelowNevertheless, the White Sox will remain confident heading into Game 5. Playing on the road is supposed to be a huge challenge, but the home team has yet to win a game in this series. If Chicago's pitching can contain the Guards' lineup, and if the Sox's offense can come through with that “dagger hit” that Rizzo talked about, the team will make things interesting.
Regardless of which ball club ends up winning, Game 5 should be a thrilling matchup in Cleveland.

