Guardians' Clase Calls Lack of Execution in ALCS 'Surprising'

CLEVELAND — For an entire season, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase provided something even the best backup players can rarely claim: near certainty.

But after two consecutive nights of fighting in the highest stakes of the year, that certainty has been shattered.

On Friday, Clase gave up two runs in the ninth inning to give the Yankees the loss in New York's 8-6 Game 4 victory, a defeat that put the Guardians on the brink of elimination from the American League championship series.

This followed a stunning Game 3 that Cleveland won in a wild finish set off by a rare save from Clase. In this case, he allowed consecutive home runs to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, losing the lead – two home runs in consecutive at-bats against a pitcher who gave up just two home runs all season, posted a 0.61 ERA, and converted 47 out of 50 savings opportunities.

“I just couldn’t do it,” Clase said after Friday’s loss. “I’m failing against the batsmen and haven’t been getting the results.”

Suddenly there is uncertainty about the decisive final point of the game, even if the Guardians continue to steadfastly support their substitute. Cleveland's deep and dominant bullpen has been the team's main asset all season, but with Clase's October ERA now at 10.29 and more leaks cropping up throughout the bullpen, the group now has a 3.83 ERA, five losses and Thursday's botched parade in their playoff dossier.

“We play a game built on failure,” Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor said. “They did such an incredible job for us. We believe in them and are excited every time they go to the mound.”

Clase's struggles in Game 4 took a different form than the home runs he allowed on Thursday. This time, New York used three singles, a stolen base and an error to score the go-ahead run in the ninth. Unlike Game 3, when Clase's teammates united for a memorable victory, the Guardians' late push wasn't enough this time.

Asked if he had ever gone through such struggles, Clase said: “I don't remember.” He added that he appreciated the support and resilience of his teammates.

“I have faith in her,” he said. “I thanked them for the work they did.”

Clase's quick exit after Game 3 raised some eyebrows, but he stood at his locker ready to answer questions as soon as the Cleveland clubhouse opened Friday. The focus now shifts to Saturday and Game 5, which the Guardians must win to keep their season alive.

“I’m not going to lose my confidence,” Clase said. “I will do my best. It’s something that surprises me, what’s happening.”