New York Yankees vs Cleveland Guardians: 3 bold predictions for Game 5

By Kevin Henry | Oct 17, 2022

Oct 14, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; A general view as New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (65) pitches against Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (17) during the third inning in game two of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase. Photo by Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cleveland’s bullpen will dominate

Look for the Yankees to hop on Cleveland starting pitcher Aaron Civale early, and then for Game 5 to be a test of nerves the rest of the way in the Bronx as the Guardians bullpen takes over and will be very effective.

New York plated 10 earned runs in the 9.0 innings they faced Civale this season, including six runs in just 3.0 innings during that April three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium. Look for the Yankees to get to him early before Cleveland manager Terry Francona pulls the plug and hands the game over to his bullpen.

Cleveland’s key pieces of the bullpen are rested and ready for Game 5, including closer Emmanuel Clase, who went 2.1 innings against the Yankees in Game 2 and didn’t pitch in either game at Progressive Field. If Francona can employ him and James Karinchak (who also hasn’t seen time on the mound since Game 2) and have them empty the tank against the Yankees, it could be what keeps the Guardians within striking distance.

The Guardians’ bullpen has been a strength all season and that will continue to be the case on Monday night.

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