Live: Guardians Aim to Force Decisive Game 5 as White Sox Host ALDS Game 4

We are live for Game 4 of the American League Division Series.

The Cleveland Guardians survived a four-run third inning to defeat the Chicago White Sox in Game 3, escaping elimination. Now, the series shifts to the opponent’s park with the stakes raised: Can the Guardians match their previous success on Thursday to force a deciding Game 5 in Cleveland, or will the White Sox complete the series win before their home crowd and move on to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Championship Series?

Our coverage includes pregame lineups and strategic keys, plus in-game analysis and postgame takeaways throughout the day.

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Highlights from Chicago

Game 4 is underway

White Sox/Guardians starting up. Take 2 for the Sox trying to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time in 120 years.

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 9, 2026

Starting pitchers: Parker Messick vs. Hagen Smith

How the Guardians can even the series: For Cleveland to tie the series, starter Parker Messick must deliver a performance better than his modest Game 1 start, where he exited after 4⅓ innings. The Guardians are likely to demand more from him here, especially after utilizing seven pitchers in Game 3, including closer Cade Smith over two innings. It would not hurt if veteran slugger Jose Ramirez delivered another elite performance; he was instrumental in Wednesday’s win. A strong outing from just Ramirez and Messick could single-handedly force a Game 5. — Jesse Rogers

The Guardians should feel relatively comfortable in their position, arguably as good as any team can be when facing elimination rather than already eliminated. Replicating Game 3’s extremes—19 strikeouts and 10 walks—won’t happen again, but a scaled-down version of that formula will still work. The White Sox have shown resilience all season, so Cleveland must strike early to maintain the momentum that was so electric at the start of Wednesday’s contest. If that occurs, the Guardians’ batters can remain patient while their pitchers attack what could become an anxious White Sox lineup, mirroring what happened Wednesday. — Bradford Doolittle

Lineups

Guardians
1. Steven Kwan (L) CF
2. Jose Ramirez (S) 3B
3. Chase DeLauter (L) RF
4. Jo Adell (R) DH
5. Nathaniel Lowe (L) 1B
6. Angel Martinez (S) LF
7. Travis Bazzana (L) 2B
8. Austin Hedges (R) C
9. Brayan Rocchio (S) SS

White Sox
1. Chase Meidroth (R) 2B
2. Randal Grichuk (R) LF
3. Miguel Vargas (R) 3B
4. Munetaka Murakami (L) 1B
5. Tommy Pham (R) DH
6. Brenton Doyle (R) CF
7. Kyle Teel (L) C
8. Braden Montgomery (S) RF
9. Colson Montgomery (L) SS

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