Guardians hope home-field advantage is the cure against the Yankees

• A loss would set up a win-or-you're-done scenario Friday.

Catch-up quick: The Guardians were big underdogs heading into the series against New York's monster lineup.

• That's exactly how the first two games played out in New York. The Yankees established insurmountable leads behind home runs by stars Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton.

The intrigue: Cleveland's strategy in the playoffs has been to get ahead early and rely on its stellar bullpen.

• That hasn't happened this week. Guardians hitters have failed to capitalize on opportunities like leaving the bases loaded in consecutive innings in Game 2.

Yes, but: Tuesday's game also showed some positive signs, including Josh Naylor getting two hits and José Ramírez hitting a late home run.

What they're saying: "We're one swing of the bat away from taking the lead in that game," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said following Game 2.

• "We're one swing of the bat from being right back in it. That is who we are. We don't quit. We just need to keep being us."

The big picture: Cleveland is looking to make its first World Series since 2016, while New York is trying to secure its first appearance since 2009.

What's next: The Yankees will roll out Clarke Schmidt as their starter for Game 3, while the Guardians will go with starter Matthew Boyd on regular rest.

If you go: Thursday's game starts at 5:08pm. Tickets start at $135.

• It will air on TBS, TruTV and Max.