The Cleveland Guardians earned a 9-5 Game 4 victory in the American League Division Series over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday to set up a winner-takes-all Game 5. While Cleveland got the job done on the road, Guards manager Stephen Vogt made a number of questionable decisions in the game, including especially difficult-to-explain moves in the 8th and 9th innings.

Cleveland entered the inning with a comfortable 9-4 lead. In a series they were trailing 2-1, Vogt understandably wanted to ensure his team was in the best position to win. It seemed as if he wasn't even thinking about preparing for Game 5. His focus was strictly on Game 4. That mindset led to Vogt turning to star closer Cade Smith in the 8th inning of a five-run game.

Smith turned in a strong 8th inning but came back out for the 9th. He ended up surrendering one run and was removed later in the inning without recording an out. Smith threw 31 pitches.

Vogt handed the ball to starting pitcher Gavin Williams in hopes he would shut the door. Williams did exactly that, but Cleveland's expected Game 2 starter threw 18 pitches.

Why Stephen Vogt made the move

The manager explained the decision after the victory, via Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland.

“The script tonight got ripped up in the 3rd, and when you have to go to the bullpen early, you gotta get creative in a win-or-go-home,” Vogt said. “In the 5th inning, we didn't anticipate using three different pitchers… We were looking at what we had left, we knew Gavin was available for one. Obviously didn't want to have to do that, but in that moment, Colson Montgomery with a great at-bat off Cade in the 8th really pushing the pitch-count up, it was time to get Gavin.”

Why didn't Vogt turn to a reliever such as Matt Festa in the 8th inning and use Smith as insurance for that inning? If Festa could have worked a clean inning, Smith could have been used in the 9th, saving Williams completely for Game 5.

Vogt made a decision he felt was necessary, however, and now the Guardians have to piece together a Game 5 plan.

Parker Messick won't be available for Game 5 and now Williams may not be able to work as deep into the game as the Guardians would have initially hoped. While a day of rest will help, the fact that Smith threw 31 pitches isn't ideal either.

Guardians fans can remain confident in their team. The lineup has found its rhythm and Jose Ramirez is playing like a superstar. However, relying on this Cleveland lineup to lead the way is risky.

Here's how the Guardians can still win Game 5 despite Vogt's questionable Game 4 decision.

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Guardians' potential Game 5 plan

Williams should still be available for Game 5. One has to wonder if he will now serve as an opener of sorts, however. No, he won't be limited to one inning if he's pitching well. Perhaps the Guardians can have Williams throw three or four innings and then bring in someone like Foster Griffin to give them a few innings in the middle of the game.

Say Williams works four innings and Griffin gives them two out of the bullpen, Cleveland could turn to one of Tim Herrin, Erik Sabrowski or Hunter Gaddis for the 7th and 8th innings. Smith also may be a candidate for another two-inning save opportunity, but one has to wonder if that is still feasible given his 31-pitch Game 4 outing. Saving him for the 9th may be the better decision.

Vogt's questionable moves in Game 4 ensured Cleveland won that game. But the moves placed the ball club in a challenging Game 5 situation. There is still hope, though, especially if the offense has another big performance.