The Cleveland Guardians are fighting to stay alive in the American League Division Series against the upstart Chicago White Sox. After losing the first two games of the series in Cleveland, the Guardians were successful in Game 3 by beating the White Sox 9-3 at Rate Field on the South Side of Chicago.
The Guardians are hoping to even the series in Game 4 of the series Thursday night. That game will also be played in Chicago and Parker Messick will be the starting pitcher for Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. Many of the postseason games are decided by which team's bullpen performs the best. In an effort to let his team know that he is willing to help his team square the series, Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams said that he is willing to pitch out of the bullpen if the team needs him.
The Guardians have said previously that if they can force a fifth and decisive game in this series that Williams would be the starting pitcher. It would be unusual for the next game's starting pitcher to come out of the bullpen in the previous game, but it demonstrates Williams' commitment to helping his team survive and advance in the postseason.
Article Continues BelowWilliams was the starter for the Guardians in Game 2 of the series. He pitched 5.0 innings in that game and he struck out 11 White Sox hitters while allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs.
The Guardians had a 2-0 lead early in that game, but the White Sox rallied and took a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning and eventually held on for a 4-3 victory.