ALCS Game 2: Guardians vs. Yankees game thread

Do the Guardians even the series or do the Yankees go to Cleveland up 2-0?

Yesterday saw the Yankees take the first game of the series against the Guardians, putting New York just three wins away from the World Series. Cleveland can’t panic just yet but you’d ideally like to steal one on the road, especially against a team like the Yankees. Tonight isn’t a must-win for the Guardians but it’s dang close to one.

Cleveland will turn to right-hander Tanner Bibee for tonight’s contest against the Yankees. The Guardians righty has looked good in his first playoff action, posting a 2.08 ERA over two starts during this Guardians run. The second-year righty has been terrific for Cleveland over the past two years since making his MLB debut but tonight will be his biggest test yet, and on the biggest stage too.

Here is how the starting lineup for the Guardians will look for Game 2:

The Yankees meanwhile will counter with veteran ace righty Gerrit Cole, who unlike Bibee has tons of experience pitching in October. Tonight will be his 20th career postseason outing and he’s generally been nails in the playoffs with a career 2.94 over 116 ¹⁄₃ innings. This season hasn’t been the easiest for Coke after starting the year on the IL and not always looking like his usual dominant self. Tonight he can earn that massive $324MM contract the Yankees shelled out for him a few years back. He’s still looking for his first World Series ring so expect a motivated Cole in tonight’s contest.

How the Yankees will line up for Game 2:

First pitch is set for 4:38 P.M.