Winning can cover a lot of problems, but the Cleveland Guardians need to start worrying about Emmanuel Clase.

After giving up just five earned runs in the entire 2024 season, Clase was very hittable in the playoffs.

That unfortunate trend continued has continued, as Clase’s ERA has ballooned to 7.84. He was unable to hold a 4-1 lead in the ninth against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kyle Manzardo bailed out the Guardians with a sacrifice fly in the 10th to give Cleveland a 5-4 win and a series sweep.

THE CUPBOARD IS FULL

If the Guardians want to experiment with closer candidates, Hunter Gaddis is available. He pitched a scoreless seventh inning against Pittsburgh and hasn’t given up an earned run this season.

Paul Sewald’s ERA is 5.00, but he has experience closing for Seattle and Arizona.

What’s wrong with Clase? Guardians radio announcer Tom Hamilton suggested that he may actually be throwing too many strikes, and opposing hitters are swinging early in the count.

KWAN-TASTIC

Steven Kwan’s two-run homer in the third inning gave Cleveland its first lead.

Lance Allen pitched well again for the Guardians, giving up just one run in the sixth on a double by Andrew McCutchen.

Manzardo delivered a two-run homer to put the Guardians ahead 4-1. One night earlier, he became the first Cleveland hitter to launch a ball into the Allegheny River.

The Pirates came back against Clase in the ninth. Adam Frazier hit a two-run double and scored on a single by Ke’Bryan Hayes.

Manzardo’s sac fly gave the victory to Clase (3-0), while Joey Cantillo finished off the Bucs for his first save.

PLAYOFF REMATCH

The New York Yankees will visit the Guardians tonight in a rematch of the American League Championship Series.

New York is on top of the East Division with a record of 14-8. Cleveland is half a game behind Detroit in the Central Division at 12-9.

Gavin Williams will start for Cleveland against the Yankees’ Clarke Schmidt. First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m.