'Win-Loss-Win-Loss': Back to Square One in the Cleveland Series — Can Choo Shin-soo, the Game 5 First Pitcher, Become the Winning Charm? [MLB ALCS]

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While the National League has already determined its World Series contender early on, a fierce battle continues in the American League. The Cleveland Guardians fell to the Tampa Bay Rays, resetting the series to two wins and two losses each.

Cleveland lost 3-7 to Tampa Bay in Game 4 of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) American League Championship Series (ALCS, best-of-seven), held on the 18th (Korean time) at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

After starting the series on the road and tying it up at one win and one loss, Cleveland returned home and secured a victory in Game 3. However, Game 4 was postponed due to rain on the 17th, and the momentum subsequently shifted.

Cleveland was completely shut down by Tampa Bay starting pitcher Nick Martinez. Martinez, who has been performing exceptionally well this season with a record of 15 wins and 6 losses and an ERA (ERA) of 3.10, held the Cleveland lineup in check for 5⅓ innings, allowing two hits allowed, two walks, striking out three, and giving up one run.

After allowing a hit to Steven Kwan in the bottom of the first inning and committing a wild pitch, Martinez gave up a go-ahead RBI single to Chase DeLauter. Tampa Bay tied the game in the bottom of the third inning with Yandy Diaz's double followed by Jonathan Aranda's tying RBI hit.

In the top of the sixth inning, as the game remained tightly contested at 1-1, Aranda and Chandler Simpson reached base consecutively via walks, and Junior Caminero drove in the go-ahead run with a two-run double to left field. Martinez handed over the ball in the bottom of the sixth inning with one out, carrying the conditions for victory.

The Tampa Bay lineup set the table with consecutive hits followed by a double steal in the top of the seventh inning, and Aranda hit an RBI single to extend the lead. An error by the right fielder allowed another runner to score home. Simpson then added an RBI sacrifice fly.

Cleveland also closed the gap by one run, thanks to Travis Bazzana's solo home run and three consecutive hits by Patrick Bailey, Angel Martinez, and Brayan Rocchio.

However, Tampa Bay secured the victory in the ninth inning with a hit by Rich Palacios followed by Diaz's decisive two-run home run that cleared the right-field fence.

Cleveland has one more game to play at home. Securing a win before heading on the road is essential for favorable odds of advancing to the World Series.

Expectations are high as to whether Choo Shin-soo (44), who is serving as an assistant to the owner and head of player development for the SSG Landers, can become the winning charm.

The Cleveland Guardians invited Choo Shin-soo to throw the first pitch for Game 5 of the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays, scheduled for the 19th at Progressive Field. He was originally intended to be the first pitcher for Game 5 on the 18th, but he had no choice but to politely decline due to his second son's university pre-visit schedule.

However, Game 4 was postponed due to rain, a rarity in the American postseason that has not occurred in seven years, which facilitated a reunion between Choo Shin-soo and Cleveland. With the scheduling issue resolved, Choo Shin-soo readily accepted the club's re-invitation and will take the field at Progressive Field as the first pitcher for Game 5.

After leaving the Seattle Mariners in 2006 to don the Cleveland uniform, he entered his prime. Over seven seasons until 2012, he served as a key hitter for the team, posting career stats of .292 batting average, 83 home runs, 372 RBIs, 85 stolen bases, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 0.853 in 685 games. In particular, in 2009 and 2010, he became the first Asian-born player to join the 20th-home run-20-stolen base club for two consecutive years, firmly establishing his reputation as a five-tool player with both power and speed in Major League Baseball.

Although there was also the year 2013, when he wore the Cincinnati uniform via trade and recorded an on-base percentage of .423 with 112 walks and 107 runs scored for an incredible season, Choo Shin-soo has always cited his Cleveland years as the most shining period of his career.

Choo Shin-soo shared his heartfelt thoughts, saying, "When I first received the invitation to throw the first pitch, I was very grateful that they continue to remember 'me.' Even though quite a bit of time has passed since I left the team, it is a great honor that they thought of me among so many players for an important postseason stage rather than just the regular season."

He added, "I was initially very disappointed that I could not attend due to family schedules, but I am happy that the rain postponement has allowed me to make this trip."

Choo Shin-soo also expressed his unwavering affection for his former team, stating, "There are still many familiar faces in the club's front office. I am grateful for the opportunity to greet the club members and fans after a long time, and since it is a meaningful day, I hope my former team wins."

Game 5 of the ALCS between Cleveland and Tampa Bay, where Choo Shin-soo will throw the first pitch, begins at 6:08 a.m. on the 19th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original