Free MLB Playoff Pick
Guardians -115 over White Sox (win)
Rotation #945 / 8:00 PM EST
Messick/Smith (Listed Pitchers)

Chicago will turn this game into another bullpen game, something the White Sox have become accustomed to. It’s not particularly fun to watch, but baseball is evolving, and two starting pitchers going seven or more innings is becoming increasingly rare. Hagen Smith will start for Chicago tonight, which is remarkable for a playoff game, considering he pitched yesterday and will be working on zero days’ rest. The White Sox will deploy multiple pitchers tonight and need Smith to record a few outs. The strategy makes sense in theory, as it prevents opposing hitters from seeing the same pitcher multiple times. The White Sox offense has been outstanding against lefties this season, but they haven’t been able to solve Cleveland ace Parker Messick. We’re taking Cleveland because the Guardians have a legitimate starting pitcher and momentum after staving off elimination last night with an impressive offensive performance. Cleveland’s pitching staff also set an MLB postseason record by striking out 19 White Sox batters. Chicago’s reliance on so many bullpen games might finally be catching up. Obviously, yesterday’s game is in the past, but it can’t help the confidence of a team that lost 102 games last season and now must respond in front of a rambunctious home crowd it disappointed last night. Cleveland has the more dependable pitching, the momentum, and a chance to capitalize on a Chicago team under considerable pressure. Take the Guardians.