Cleveland's bats are the real question. The Guardians scored 3 runs total in Games 1 and 2, then put up 9 on 11 hits without a home run in Game 3. That rally ran on extra-base hits to the gaps: José Ramírez went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple after starting the series 0-for-6, and Jo Adell's 2-out triple capped the 4-run 3rd. Small ball like that can be repeated. It can also disappear as fast as it showed up.
Chicago arrived as the hotter team. Before Wednesday's loss, the White Sox had won 4 straight, including their first 2 against Houston and the first 2 games of this series. Wednesday was their first loss of the postseason, and it came in front of their first home playoff crowd in years. MLB.com expects that crowd to be extremely nervous for Game 4. It will get loud quickly if Smith and the pitchers behind him keep the Guardians off the bases early.
Neither bullpen is at full strength. Cleveland is without Colin Holderman, who needs season-ending wrist surgery, and Andrew Walters, who had elbow surgery, and Rhys Hoskins is still working back from his back injury. Chicago has lost Luis Castillo to a shoulder impingement plus several relievers, including Jordan Leasure, Prelander Berroa and Mike Vasil. Both teams are piecing together innings with whoever is available. First pitch is 7:00 PM CT, with 61 degrees and a clear sky. Win and the White Sox go to the ALCS. Lose and both teams' bullpens have to go again in a Game 5.