League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Guardians select Cade Smith for key outs in ALDS Game 4 over Matt Festa

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 9, 2026, 10:38 PM

Last updated Oct 9, 2026

Guardians select Cade Smith for key outs in ALDS Game 4 over Matt Festa

Summary

The Cleveland Guardians opted to let Cade Smith finish the final three outs in ALDS Game 4 against the Chicago White Sox, despite Smith's rising pitch count and the team leading by five runs. Managerial decisions came under scrutiny as fans questioned the choice not to use Matt Festa, who remained unused in the bullpen. The situation becomes critical with Game 5 looming, raising concerns about Festa's role in the postseason. This was Smith's second outing in the series as the Guardians attempt to secure advancement.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Guardians lead 5-0 with Cade Smith on the mound in Game 4.
•Smith has a high pitch count and hasn't closed before.
•Matt Festa did not pitch in ALDS Game 4 despite roster placement.
•Game 5 is set for Saturday back in Cleveland.

Latest Updates

10:38 PMYahoo Sports — Guardians’ Matt Festa Decision Raises Questions After Cade Smith Call

What they're saying

"
The Cleveland Guardians wanted Cade Smith to get the last three outs on Thursday night in ALDS Game 4 in Chicago against the White Sox. Smith had already been in the game, and his pitch count was rising in what has been a busy stretch for him. The Guardians held a five-run lead. The question […] The post Guardians’ Matt Festa Decision Raises Questions After Cade Smith Call appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Cleveland Guardians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals MLB Baseball

Sources

External links

Yahoo SportsOct 9, 2026, 10:38 PM
Guardians’ Matt Festa Decision Raises Questions After Cade Smith Call
The Cleveland Guardians wanted Cade Smith to get the last three outs on Thursday night in ALDS Game 4 in Chicago against the White Sox. Smith had already been in the game, and his pitch count was rising in what has been a busy stretch for him. The Guardians held a five-run lead. The question […] The post Guardians’ Matt Festa Decision Raises Questions After Cade Smith Call appeared first on HEAVY.

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Sources

Related Stories