League Championship Series Day Six Game Thread

Last night, the Milwaukee Brewers completed a four-game sweep of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, clinching the team’s first National League pennant and first World Series appearance in 44 years. According to MLB, Milwaukee became the first team to sweep an opponent in a postseason series one year after that same opponent swept it out of the playoffs.

The Brewers, who are four wins away from their first World Series title, await the winner of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays. The ALCS has been more competitive, with the Guardians leading 2-1 entering tonight’s Game 4 in rainy and windy Cleveland.

Rays at Guardians (8:00 PM PST)

Based off the first three games, this series looks like it could go the distance. What else would you expect from two scrappy young teams like these two? Both organizations are absolutely desperate for the chance to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy. The Rays are seeking their first World Series title, while the Guardians aim to end MLB’s longest active championship drought.

The visiting Rays will have veteran right-hander Nick Martinez (15-6, 3.10 ERA) taking the ball for this critical contest. The 36-year-old, who turned in a career-best season in his first year with the Rays, will make his second start of the postseason.

Martinez started the third and final Division Series game against the New York Yankees, receiving a no-decision after allowing two runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings. He exited early after being hit by a comebacker. Having avoided a significant injury, the right-hander will look to deliver a quality start and help his team even the ALCS at two games apiece.

Here’s Tampa Bay’s lineup for this evening’s matchup:

The Guardians will counter with a bullpen game. Right-hander Shawn Armstrong, who has yet to allow a run through his first four appearances this postseason, will serve as the opener. Following an inning or two, left-hander Joey Cantillo or right-hander Tanner Bibee will take over for the hosts.

And Cleveland’s starting nine, courtesy of skipper Stephen Vogt:

Update: The game is in a rain delay with a chance of being postponed until tomorrow.